BOSTON – Representative Keenan today urged all Salem homeowners and landlords to ensure that their residences are compliant with “Nicole’s Law” before the March 31st deadline.

“Nicole’s Law” was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor in November 2005. It requires that anyone who owns a residential property in the Commonwealth install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every habitable level before March 31, 2006. On levels with sleeping areas, the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors. After March 31st, anyone who sells their property will be required to have an inspection by the fire department prior to the sale or transfer of their property.

While some exemptions and deferments are available, generally any home, apartment, condominium, or townhouse that contains fossil fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking is required to have these life-saving alarms installed. For more information about the law and related regulations, you may contact the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services at www.mass.gov/dfs or by calling 978-567-3100.

Landlords must install a CO alarm in each dwelling unit. They must also inspect, test, and maintain the CO alarms at least once a year or at the beginning of any rental period – such as a lease renewal. Batteries are required to be replaced once a year. Tenants should report any problems with alarms to their landlord immediately and learn to recognize the difference between the smoke detector and the CO alarm.

“Each year we see injuries or deaths resulting from carbon monoxide poisonings occurring throughout the state,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. “We know that with the installation of carbon monoxide detectors to allow for early warning, we are clearly enhancing the safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth similar to what we saw with the implementation of the smoke detector law two decades ago.”

“Like smoke detectors, CO detectors will save lives,” said Salem Fire Department Chief David Cody. “Salem’s Fire Marshal Lieutenant Erin Griffin will be attending a seminar at the Department of Fire Services on March 7th to better understand how the new law will affect Salem property owners. Protecting lives and property is our primary mission.”

“I urge all homeowners and landlords to install CO alarms in their residences, in compliance with Nicole’s Law,” said Representative Keenan. “Tenants should familiarize themselves with this important program, as well. Ensuring the safety of Massachusetts residents and families is the most important aspect of my job as a public servant. I was proud to support Nicole’s Law in the House and hope that residents will take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and their families as this bill requires.”

CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, coal, and gasoline. Each year, many people die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are injured. This law was passed to protect Massachusetts residents from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The first symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. If you think you have symptoms of CO poisoning or your CO alarm is sounding, contact your fire department and leave the building immediately.