A deadline is nearing for most homes in Massachusetts to be equipped with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. As of March 31, all residences that use fossil fuel/oil, gas, wood or coal in their heating systems, or have enclosed parking, will be required to have at least one CO detector on every floor.
The requirement comes from the passage last November of “Nicole’s Law,” named for 7-year-old Nicole Garofalo, who died when she suffocated on CO in her own home after snow blocked up a gas boiler.
Initially, local fire marshals and departments, who will inspect residences after they have been sold or transferred, will enforce the law.
Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephan Coan told the Telegram & Gazette not to expect inspectors to knock on doors and randomly search homes, but detecting CO could mean the difference between life and death.
“The early warning that these detectors will provide is an extraordinary lifesaving tool,” he says.
A requirement for hotels and motels to have CO detectors goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2007.
