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Public Forums => Disaster Awareness & CERT => Topic started by: KC6ZGG on Jun 03, 11, 05:26:50 PM

Title: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: KC6ZGG on Jun 03, 11, 05:26:50 PM
Title: Carbon monoxide detector law kicks in July 1
Post by: Chesslike on Jun 03, 11, 09:42:39 PM
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: mopdog on Jun 04, 11, 11:31:35 AM
Safety is never a bad idea, but I do know (form the Senate Analysis) that the supporters include the California Alarm Association, the California Retailers Association, Home Depot, and the State Association of Electrical Workers.    At a guess of 8M households in California, to be equipped with 2 detectors each,with a low-end cost of $20 per detector (not including labor), we're looking at $320M to comply (~$345M including sales tax).  The bill states there's 20 to 30 deaths per year in CA by CO poisoning.    So, by these numbers, at a bare minimum, we're saving lives at a minimum cost of over $11,000,000 per life.   High-end estimate is $52M per life.   (These are totally unqualified estimates, but I think they're ballparkish right).    I'm a natural-born optimizer.   While we don't like to talk about the value of a human life, I think we can still say if we can save lives at $1,000,000 per life, it's probably a better utilization of resources than if it's costing $52M per life.   Long live Smith's invisible hand.  Long live personal responsibility.   
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: KathySC on Jun 04, 11, 11:39:16 AM
some years ago our carbon monixide detector went off in the early morning hours.  I opened all the windows just to be safe (it was winter, naturally) and bundled up.  I was sure the thing was just crazy and tried taking it outside to see if it would still go off, etc.  Finally when it was normal morning hours we called the fire dept.  They came out and initially said it was nothing to worry about and then they discovered a high reading coming from a crack in our furnace. 

The furnace was replaced and I always make sure we have a carbon monixide detector installed on each floor.  As "insurance" goes it's the cheapest policy we have.
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: wrightwoodgirl on Jun 06, 11, 08:40:47 AM
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: SkierBob on Jun 09, 11, 10:20:53 AM
How about these stats in 2008 11,700 people died because of drunk drivers In 2009 10,839 so why don't we put breathalyzers in cars so you blow 0 before the car starts? Just my 2 cents

 :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 09, 11, 12:02:31 PM
I recall resistance to smoke detectors and paint without lead and cigarretes packs with benign health risk labels that refuse to spell out the truth of the life saving matters.  Yet, literature suggests statistical evidence that smoke detectors, lead free paint, and truthful reminders on cigarrette packs, uncluding "buckling up" saves lives.   :2thumbsup: My 2 cents.
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: tach18k on Jun 11, 11, 03:05:07 PM
They require these devices, and thats fine. but to say 1 in 1000 have them in there homes, not a real point to push. The device is just pretty new to market. Not everyone even knows they are even around. Mostly thoes who bring a bbq into the house to heat the room. But thats not illegal, just plain stupidness.
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Naughty pines on Jun 11, 11, 05:24:23 PM
Just a stupid question.
Does a smoke detector work the same as a co detector ?
Would they be interchangable ?
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Bob C on Jun 11, 11, 06:16:24 PM
Does a smoke detector work the same as a co detector ?

They look similar to smoke detectors, in that they are both small thingies that either plug into a wall socket, or are battery powered, but they are not interchangable. A smoke detector's job is to detect for the presence of smoke particles (which would indicate a fire somewhere), where a CO2 detector's job is to detect the presence of CO2. A leaking furnace, pellet stove or other source of combustion is what the CO2 detector is used for.

Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Mrs. Hillbilly on Jun 11, 11, 06:37:25 PM
We were out looking at travel trailers and one trailer had a duel smoke and CO detector.  First time I have seen one of these.
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: ForestGal on Jun 11, 11, 06:45:38 PM
I've got a CO detector sitting in a box around here someplace, never installed it.  Gotta find it and make it usable.  Do the batteries have to be changed regularly, like the ones in smoke detectors?  I usually end up waiting until my smoke alarms get the "hiccups" before I remember to change the batteries.

(CO is carbon MONoxide, CO2 is carbon DIoxide, which we exhale.  ;))
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Bob C on Jun 11, 11, 06:49:02 PM
(CO is carbon MONoxide, CO2 is carbon DIoxide, which we exhale.  ;))

Oh Duh! Sorry about that. Thanks for the correction.
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: ezzpete on Jun 11, 11, 07:07:39 PM
another law to save us from ourselves. wonder how they'll enforce it? maybe while they're checking our light bulbs.

(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g215/ezzpete/stuff/policestate.jpg)
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Mrs. Hillbilly on Jun 11, 11, 07:48:22 PM
Ha ha Pete!   8)
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 12, 11, 07:19:05 AM
Check a stranger's "papers" for residency status...but never pass a law requiring a simple tiny and cheap life saving device be but in one's home.  Why, that would be gestappo-like police state.   Yeah.  ::)

Anyway, our travel trailer and our home have one.   :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: ezzpete on Jun 12, 11, 07:33:19 AM
it's not JUST this law, but all the laws that keep being passed to "protect our lives". the government keeps chipping away. helmet laws,smoking laws, gun laws, food laws.... on and on.

maybe one of the reasons we have so many stupid people around now days is because we've made everything illegal that used to kill off the really dumb ones.

i'm all for a C0 detector, i have one, but it was my decision. what's wrong with just letting people make their own decision?

i won't even go into what i think about the "strangers". i'd only hurt your feelers.

Check a stranger's "papers" for residency status...but never pass a law requiring a simple tiny and cheap life saving device be but in one's home.  Why, that would be gestappo-like police state.   Yeah.  ::)

Anyway, our travel trailer and our home have one.   :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Mrs. Hillbilly on Jun 12, 11, 10:56:40 AM
Ha ha pete!
You need to post more often!!
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 12, 11, 12:51:36 PM
Cool... I think strangers should be allowed to make their own decisions.  I know we do, all the time.   :2thumbsup:  No old west for me though... I'm progressive.   How do you feel about cleaning up fire hazzards in Wrightwood?  Should people be forced to do it?  Or should they just mind their own business and hope their house isn't the one that contributes to burning down an entire block or worse?   But to stay relevant, I don't think a simple life saving device is hardly a gestappo state.  Like anything else though, don't buy one... and consider yourself a sexy outlaw.   :-* ;)   And may your theory about the stupid never prove true in your own case. 
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Suhijita on Jun 12, 11, 09:37:18 PM


maybe one of the reasons we have so many stupid people around now days is because we've made everything illegal that used to kill off the really dumb ones.



This just cracked me up...
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Mrs. Hillbilly on Jun 13, 11, 06:16:27 AM

No old west for me though... I'm progressive.   . 

And also.....

(http://www.myteespot.com/images/Images_d/d_8075.jpg)
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 13, 11, 08:24:06 AM
(http://29.media.tumblr.com/zUfX0ptG3jb70dse1kPw6a7so1_400.jpg)

"You Can't Touch This!"   ;)
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: in my dreams on Jun 13, 11, 08:34:09 AM
Quote from: ezzpete on Jun 12, 11, 07:33:19 AM
maybe one of the reasons we have so many stupid people around now days is because we've made everything illegal that used to kill off the really dumb ones.
This just cracked me up...

http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/Candlelight-Vigil-for-Oakhurst-Family/dBXtNUd0xkuwiJ_5kNf91w.cspx
Hahaha. . . hilarious. . . I'm sure they were really dumb. . .

Look. All people cannot be expert in all things. Nor can people possibly have control over all things that affect their lives. I have no problem with gov't enacting such a law, especially when the solution is so simple. The reality is, jack-booted thugs aren't going to go door-to-door to check. If you have to get a new home owner's insurance policy, they may require you to say you have one, and, also, if you buy/sell a house, you'll have to have the detector to pass the final inspection.



Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 13, 11, 09:40:24 AM
Yep.  What she said.   :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: MMB on Jun 13, 11, 06:36:17 PM
I have a friend who cleans grease ducts and flues, and he also chimney sweeps.  He just said he'd give you a free Carbon Monoxide detector (they're really inexpensive) as a gift for cleaning your ducts, chimney's or flue.  He's a really smart entreprenuer.  I wonder how many companies manufacture or fabricate Carbon Monoxide detectors?  I wonder what the political climate is like right now in regard to safety, and who the winners and the losers are in regard to business, industry, and jobs?  I wonder what parties the senators and legislators who push for the law that is going to create jobs, belong?

Chimmeys & Carbon Monoxide

When it comes to owning a fireplace, in addition to the warmth and ambience created, there are also safety issues that you should know about, with carbon monoxide being top on the list. In fact, each year in the United States alone, more than 200 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, all from venting problems associated with the fireplace.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, all things some homeowners associate with the flue. If the problem is not fixed, the damage can be permanent and irreversible, affecting the heart, lungs, and brain. Even worse, if the leak is bad, the poisoning will kill. Since this type of poisoning is odorless and colorless, it is extremely dangerous!

The heating compounds that you use for your home is called hydrocarbons, which is a combination of hydrogen and carbon. The hydrocarbons in your furnace and chimney mix with oxygen in your home. As they burn, heat is produced. However, what happens is that if you have not ensured your chimney is working properly, the oil or gas is burned less or more completely. This creates fumes, which consist primarily of carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Then, if the chimney does not get adequate oxygen because your home is tight or the chimney is not functioning correctly, carbon monoxide is produced instead of dioxide. In other words, the lack of the oxygen atom creates a huge problem. When you get too much carbon monoxide in your bloodstream, it will kill. Since you cannot see or smell this type of gas, it is imperative that you pay attention to flu-like symptoms and consider that your chimney might have a leak.

Depending on the severity of the leak, it could take days or weeks for permanent damage to be done or, if the leak is large, people will simply become violently ill and die. If you suspect that you might have a leak and are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, you need to get outdoors immediately. The best thing at this point is getting away from the gas and into the fresh air.

You then need to contact your local utility company and get in touch with their emergency department. They are very good at sending someone out almost immediately. If the family is ill, then you should call 911. Whatever you do, never go back inside the house until the problem has been checked and resolved. Finally, even if you are just a little sick, you should seek medical attention.

The problem with carbon monoxide is that it is becoming more and more a problem. This can be due from homes being built tight, as a means of conserving energy. The problem with this is that there is not enough airflow. Additionally, many of the high-efficiency oil and gas furnaces are hooked up to existing flues that are not working properly. Finally, the flue could be damaged from age, the chimney could have clogs from creosote, or there could be debris in the chimney. Regardless, you can avoid this problem by having your fireplace and chimney inspected once a year by a professional that knows exactly the things to look for. 

http://www.fireplaces-fireplaces.com/chimmeys_Carbon-Monoxide.htm
Title: Re: New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes
Post by: Chesslike on Nov 11, 12, 11:43:08 AM