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<br />Public Safety <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />Legislation to Save Lives <br /> <br />The 2006 legislative session passed a new carbon <br />monoxide (CO) law (MN S299F.50) requiring CO alarms <br />in all single-family homes and multi-family dwelling units. <br />Effective January 1, 2007 all newly constructed <br />single-family homes and multi-family dwelling units for <br />which building permits were issued on or after January 1, <br />2007 shall be provided with approved carbon monoxide <br />alarms. <br />Effective August 1, 2008 all existing single-family <br />homes shall be equipped with approved carbon monoxide <br />alarms. <br />Effective August 1, 2009 all multi-family dwell- <br />ing units shall be provided with approved CO alarms. <br /> <br />What is CO? <br />Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of com- <br />bustion of fossil fuels. Fumes from automobiles contain <br />high levels of CO. Appliances such as furnaces, space <br />heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, char- <br />coal grills, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves produce <br />CO. Carbon monoxide is usually vented to the outside <br />if appliances function correctly and the home is vented <br />properly. Problems occur when a furnace heat-exchanger <br />cracks, or vents and chimneys become blocked. Insulation <br />can trap CO in the home. <br /> <br />How does CO affect me? <br />Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas. It can kill you <br />before you know it, because you can't see it, taste it or <br />smell it. At lower levels of exposure, it can cause health <br />problems. Some are very vulnerable to CO poisoning, in- <br />cluding fetuses, infants, children, senior citizens and those <br />with heart or lung problems. <br />When CO is breathed in, it accumulates in the <br />blood and forms a toxic compound Imown as carboxyhe- <br />moglobin (COHb). COHb can cause headaches, fatigue, <br />nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. Later <br />stages of CO poisoning can bring vomiting, loss of con- <br />sciousness and eventually, brain damage and death. <br /> <br />How do I choose a CO alarm? <br />Reasonable price <br />Easy to use, install & replace <br />Protection from chronic, low-level CO exposure <br />Protection from acute, lethal CO exposure <br />Accurate measurement of CO <br /> <br />Self-calibrating and self-zeroing <br />Memory capability for past events <br />Minimal interference from other pollutants & chemi- <br />cals <br />Digital readout of CO concentrations <br />Portability: small size and light weight, <br />Easy-to-understand operating manual <br />Clear instructions and warning tags on the unit <br />All carbon monoxide alarms must conform to the <br />latest Underwriters Laboratories (U/L) Standards. <br /> <br />Location, Testing <br />Follow manufacturer's placement recommendations <br />Test CO detectors at least once a month and replace <br />detectors and batteries according to manufacturer's <br />instructions. <br /> <br />What do I do when the alarm sounds? <br />Treat all alarms as real emergencies. If there are <br />people within the home not feeling well call 911. If the <br />alarm is sounding and no one is ill, you can call the non- <br />emergency number at 763-427-1212 and the fire depart- <br />ment can come an assist you. <br /> <br />Free Car Seat <br />INSPECTIONS for Anoka <br />County Residents <br /> <br />Safe Kids Anoka County offers several car <br />seat clinics throughout the year for Anoka County <br />residents to have their car seats inspected by trained <br />technicians. Four out of five car seats are installed <br />wrong! Get yours checked. Appointments are re- <br />quired. 1l~ <br /> <br /> <br />Safe Kidse <br /> <br />Anoka COUIlty <br />March 13 <br />4:00 - 7:00 pm <br />Andover Fire 1 <br />Appointments: <br />763-767-4664 <br /> <br />May 8 <br />4:00 - 7:00 pm <br />Ramsey Fire Station 1 <br />Appointments: <br />763-433-9891 <br /> <br />www.ci.ramsey.mn.us <br /> <br />5 <br />