We know Long Island and stay current on new laws regarding home security. On March 26, 2014, it was reported that Brookhaven Town in Long Island is now requiring all new and existing commercial, industrial, and office buildings to install carbon monoxide detectors. Why? Well, in the United States carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for 500 deaths and 15,000 emergency room visits each year.
We can all agree the new law is great, we want businesses in Brookhaven to install these for our safety. We want to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses due to carbon monoxide poisoning on Long Island. But, this movement to address carbon monoxide detectors does not stop at commercial buildings.
What we have found in our research is that this new law is destined to extend to the use of carbon monoxide detectors for homes on Long Island.
The Times Beacon Record reported that Councilwoman Connie Kepert plans to introduce a bill that would require homes to have digital carbon monoxide readings.
Why digital readings? Standard carbon monoxide alarms are triggered at about 65 parts per million or higher. But, the World Health Organization recommends levels no higher than 9 parts per million over an extended period of time. This lower level, over an extended period of time, is thought to reduce illnesses and avoid psychological effects.
These digital carbon monoxide detectors will continue to sound an audible alarm when needed. However, many of them will show you both the current reading and the peak reading. That allows homeowners to monitor the carbon monoxide over time. This is especially valuable in the winter when our homes are closed up to conserve heat.
