Statewide Iowa — The state of Iowa will soon require Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in some homes.
State Fire Marhsal Dan Wood says the final rules have been drawn up.
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and the detectors let you know if the gas has built up before you become sick from it. Wood says they will be required in newly built homes, and buildings that have a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.
Wood isn’t sure how many of the buildings might already have carbon monoxide detectors installed.
He says the change requiring the carbon monoxide detectors begins July 1st.
You are not required to have a carbon monoxide detector in your existing home — but Wood encourages everyone to get one.
Wood says there aren’t a lot of combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms available. But, he says, having both types of alarm is a small price to pay for the protection they provide.
