Sacramento residents can get a carbon monoxide alarm for free.
City councilmembers and First Alert have joined together to provide 300 of the detectors. City residents may request one of the devices by e-mailing 311@cityofsacramento.org.
The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 requires the installation of an alarm in every residence in California with a fossil-fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless and toxic.
The law, which went into effect on July 1, currently mandates the devices for single-family homes. The law applies to multi-unit dwellings, such as apartment complexes, starting on Jan. 1, 2013.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can come from a variety of sources, including heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and appliances.
"If they are not venting correctly or they are old and start burning inefficiently, there can be a problem," said Sacramento Fire Department Assistant Chief Niko King. "Carbon monoxide is a by-product of inefficient burning."
In February two elderly Sacramento women died due to a carbon monoxide leak. Tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis died at age 40 in 1994 in Long Island when the cottage in which he was staying filled with carbon monoxide, reportedly from a swimming pool heater.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, which has a greater effect on children and seniors, has flu-like symptoms and often goes undiagnosed.
King said carbon monoxide is about the same molecular weight as the air, causing the gas to mix.
"So it is not necessarily going to be up high or down low," said King. "So you can place the alarms mid-wall or up high."
Carbon monoxide alarms do not take the place of smoke alarms. Both are needed to be safe.
Carbon monoxide alarms cost from $13 to $40.
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