Village of Brown Deer, Wisconsin

INSPECTION DEPARTMENT

CARBON MONOXIDE UPDATE :
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF BROWN DEER

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ALL SINGLE-FAMILY AND DUPLEX HOMES TO INSTALL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS BY JANUARY 1, 2002

VIEW THE NEW DETECTOR ORDINANCE

QUICK FACTS ON CARBON MONOXIDE GAS & DETECTORS

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE NEW ORDINANCE REQUIRE?

INTERNET RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION ON CARBON MONOXIDE

WHERE CAN I FIND DETECTORS? WHAT KIND SHOULD I PURCHASE? HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

ALL SINGLE-FAMILY AND DUPLEX HOMES TO INSTALL CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS BY JANUARY 1, 2002

On June 18, 2001, the Brown Deer Village Board decided to address what has been called "the silent killer" - carbon monoxide gas (abbreviated "CO"). The Board adopted a new ordinance which would require all one and two-family (duplex) homes to install carbon monoxide detectors in order to alert Village residents of this odorless, colorless gas in their homes. This new ordinance requires that carbon monoxide detectors be installed by January 1, 2002. After that date, if a carbon monoxide detector is not installed, homeowners are at risk of receiving a correction notice, or, if necessary, municipal ticket.  Click here to view the ordinance.

The dangers of carbon monoxide gas are very real, as has been witnessed firsthand right here in Brown Deer. In 1998, a family in the Village was overcome by and treated for carbon monoxide gas poisoning. However, a year earlier a 33-year old man died in his Brown Deer home from CO poisoning. In each instance, working carbon monoxide detectors were not installed in the homes.

This web page includes more information on carbon monoxide gas and detectors, as well as a listing of additional resources for you to learn more about carbon monoxide gas and detectors. Also, keep an eye on your local newspaper and Winter newsletter for more information and possible special offers for Village residents to purchase detectors. If you have any specific questions, contact the Village Manager’s office at 371-3050

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QUICK FACTS ON CARBON MONOXIDE GAS & DETECTORS

• About 200 people are killed annually and 10,000 receive emergency treatment because of carbon monoxide gas. This is the leading cause of accidental poisoning fatalities in America.

• Carbon monoxide gas is often caused by faulty or poorly maintained home heating systems.Symptoms of poisoning include mild headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue, vomiting, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and possibly death.

• Some people mistakenly think that they have the flu, when actually they are being poisoned.

• Carbon Monoxide impacts the body by replacing the oxygen in the bloodstream after it is inhaled, and starves the body’s organs of oxygen.

• Nationally, fewer than 40% of homes have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

For more information on Carbon Monoxide gas and detectors, visit some of the internet links listed below.

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Following are some of the most important items that are included in the new carbon monoxide ordinance.  Click here to view the ordinance, or review a copy at Village Hall, 4800 West Green Brook Drive.

• Single-family homes and each unit of a duplex home must have at least one CO detector installed.
• The detector(s) should be installed within 20 feet outside the area of sleeping rooms.
• Approved detector(s) must bear the label of a nationally recognized standard testing laboratory, and must meet the "UL 2034" standard or equivalent.
• The detector(s) must be operable, and batteries must be charged.
• It is the responsibility of the home owner to install and maintain the CO detector(s), including battery replacement.
  The Building Inspector shall be responsible for enforcing the ordinance, particularly when completing certificate of compliance inspections prior to the sale of your house.

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www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/recalldb/pub.asp - The Consumer Product Safety Commission website includes info on carbon monoxide and other household hazards.

www.homesafe.com/coalert - Good site with a variety of information on CO gas, dangers and detectors.

www.we-wg.com/wewgsafety/indoor/carbon_monoxide.htm - The Wisconsin Gas website has good information on indoor safety and related checklists.

www.nfpa.org/research/nfpa_fact_sheets/co_alarm_fact_sheet.web.pdf - The National Fire Protection Association has prepared a very good brochure on carbon monoxide issues.

www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html - The United States Environmental Protection Agency has a website on indoor air quality and carbon monoxide.  This site includes links to specific publications on the topic of carbon monoxide.

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There are several types of detectors on the market that you can buy. The basic battery-powered detector is easily found in any hardware or department store, and normally costs between $20 and $30. These basic detectors can be either mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf.

There are other models available that combine carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in one unit. Some carbon monoxide models can be directly plugged into an electrical outlet, but should also have a battery backup. Some units also have digital displays that indicate current carbon monoxide levels. These advanced models are more expensive, usually between $35 and $45.

Be sure that any model you purchase is approved by a nationally recognized standard testing laboratory, and meets the "UL 2034" standard.   If the symbol below is on the packaging or alarm itself, then it is approved by the    Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that was formed in 1894 to help reduce injury, loss of life and property damage.

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NOW is a great time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check to see if the batteries are charged and test to make sure your detectors work properly.