Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mandatory July 1

City and fire officials across the state are reminding home owners of a new law that will take affect July 1 that requires carbon monoxide detectors inside their home.

Previously, only new homes were required to have the detectors installed. But the passage of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183), all single-family dwellings with attached garages, or fossil fuel sources, must install the devices, according to a news release from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CalFire).

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover in the release. “And sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation.”

Apartments and multi-family leased buildings will have until Jan. 1, 2013 to install the devices in their units.

Violation of the law carries a $200 fine for each offense.

For a list of approved devices, check the state fire marshal's office website.