Aug 2, 2008 6:59 pm US/Central
New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Alarms In Homes
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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Alarms start at about $25, but for a bit more you can buy one with battery backup or entirely battery powered. (File)
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A new law is aimed at protecting Minnesotans from a "silent killer." As of August 1, all single-family homes in the state must have carbon monoxide detectors.
The alarms will hopefully prevent deaths and injury from the colorless, odorless gas. It's estimated carbon monoxide is a factor in more than 2,000 deaths each year in the United States.
The Burt family of Rochester lost two sons to the toxic gas. They're featured in a public service announcement for carbon monoxide detectors.
"They were taken from me, they were robbed from me, it could've been prevented ," said Todd Burt in the advertisement.
Now in Minnesota all single-family homes are required to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm. The Bretois of Inver Grove Heights have three.
In 2007, the Bretois and four friends nearly died when the boiler malfunctioned at their Wisconsin cabin. Luckily, they realized what was making them sick and got out.
"We're believer in them, they saved our life," said Jerry Bretoi.
The new law has made CO alarms hot items at Fratallone's Ace Hardware in Arden Hills. More customers are replacing their old smoke detectors with combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
"This is one that I personally like. It's got a peak level here. It'll actually tell you what the peak level was in your house in the last 24 hours," said Steve Sobtzak, the store manager
The Bretois prefer the peak alarm too, so they can check to see if carbon monoxide is building up in the home before it becomes dangerous.
"It's a tragic, tragic thing and it's so easy to avoid just by listening to other people's experiences and acting upon it," said Bretoi.
Experts say you should have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and within 10 feet of each bedroom.
Alarms start at about $25, but for a bit more you can buy one with battery backup or entirely battery powered.
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