Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law (Español)

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue is reminding residents about new requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Effective July 1, 2019, a new law in Montgomery County requires many existing single-unit, two-unit and townhouse dwellings to have Carbon Monoxide Alarms located outside sleeping areas and on every level of a home. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms are designed to emit an alarm when high levels of CO are detected but before they reach life-threatening levels.   

The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law changes are the result of an initiative by Council Member Craig Rice and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials to promote carbon monoxide safety, education and awareness due to the serious danger Carbon Monoxide (CO) poses. CO Alarms provide vital, highly effective and low-cost protection against CO poisoning. If fuel-burning appliances are not working properly or used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Properly installed Carbon Monoxide Alarms provide reliable, highly effective and low-cost protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new law requires all single, two-unit, and townhouse dwellings built before 2008 that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage to install and maintain Carbon Monoxide Alarms beginning July 1, 2019. Maryland State Law has required Carbon Monoxide Alarms in newly-constructed homes since January 2008.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law - Montgomery County (effective 7/1/2019)
https://apps.montgomerycountymd.gov/CCLLIMS/BillDetailsPage?RecordId=2576&fullTextSearch=Bill%20AND%2023-18