Recently, the Illinois General Assembly passed and the Governor signed into law Public Act 094-0741 - The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act. This Act, effective Monday, January 1, 2007, requires the owner to install and maintain in working order carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings that contain sleeping facilities. This includes single family dwellings. One exception in the act is that carbon monoxide detectors are NOT required in a building that does not rely on combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation or hot water and is not connected to an enclosed garage and is not sufficiently close to any ventilation source of carbon monoxide as to be at risk from those gases. The determination of risk is left to the local building commissioner.

Building owners are required to install carbon monoxide detectors in all dwelling units within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. Building owners are required to provide and install the detectors and make sure that they are operational at the beginning of intial lease. Occupants are responsible for maintaining and testing these devices during the lease period. Any problems with the detectors are to be brought to the attention of the building owner.

The Village Fire Department has historically supported the installation and maintenance of working carbon monoxide detectors in all residences. On numerous occasions, firefighters have responded to alarm activations that have alerted us to elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Because these devices were in place and operating properly, tragedy was averted.

Willful failure by the building owner to install or failure of the occupant to maintain the detector(s) in operating condition is a Class B criminal misdemeanor. A second offense of failure to maintain by the occupant can result in prosecution for Class 4 Felony. The procedure to enforce this law beginning January 1, 2007, will be determined by the local officials.

Carbon monoxide detectors, like smoke detectors, are truly life safety devices that no one should be without. If you have not already installed one in your home, please do so as soon as possible as there is a very good possibility these units will be in large demand after January 1, 2007. While you are at it, also check and/or change the batteries in your smoke detector.

If you have any further questions, please contact Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 789-7060 or email fire@villageofhinsdale.org.

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