The State of Wisconsin requires all residential dwellings to have carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms must be installed in basements and on each floor level. Attics, garages and storage areas are exempt from this code. There is existing legislation regarding commercial property containing residential units that has been in place since 2008.

Fire service professionals recommend carbon monoxide alarms be placed near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms must be replaced every 5 years to ensure the devices are in working order and batteries should be replaced every six months. In addition, each detector should be tested regularly per manufacturer's recommendations.

For questions, call Neighborhood Services at (608) 755-3052, Fire Prevention Bureau at (608) 755-3056, or Building Services at (608) 755-3060.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. Burning any fuel produces carbon monoxide. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), nearly 1,500 people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and an additional 10,000 seek medical attention.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel. Improperly operating appliances can produce fatal CO concentrations in homes. High levels of CO intake replace the oxygen in our blood and can cause unconsciousness and death.

How Does CO Enter The Home?

Carbon monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water heater, fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Carbon monoxide can spill from vent connections in poorly maintained or blocked chimneys. Improperly sized flues connected to new high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters can also contribute to CO spillage.

What Are The Symptoms Of CO Poisoning?

The initial symptoms of CO are similar to the flu. They include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irregular Breathing 

The danger of CO poisoning is that the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless and therefore often goes undetected. If you have any of these symptoms and you feel better when you are outside of your home, you may have CO poisoning.

What To Do If Experiencing CO Poisoning Symptoms?

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately and call 911. Open windows and doors for ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the home. 

What Are Some Signs Of CO Poisoning In My Home?

There are several clues that are visible and several that you can not see. These include:

• Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
• Loose or missing furnace panel
• Sooting
• Loose or disconnected chimney connections
• Debris or soot falling from chimney
• Moisture inside of windows
• Internal appliance damage
• Hidden blockage or damage in chimneys
• Decreasing hot water supply
• Furnace unable to heat house
• Soot on appliances
• Unfamiliar or burning odor

Prevention Measures

Make make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Chimneys and flues should be checked for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

The installation of a carbon monoxide detector provides added protection.

Other Prevention Tips:

• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools.
• Never use gas appliances for heating your home.
• Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors.

This information was obtained from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. More information can be found on the US CPSC web site, www.cpsc.gov, or by calling the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772.