Effective January 1, 2007, Illinois requires carbon monoxide alarms. 
What is carbon monoxide? Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is produced when any fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil, and methane is burned incompletely. When these fuels do not burn properly, carbon monoxide can build up and cause sickness or even death. Statistics show that carbon monoxide kills about 200 people in the U.S. every year. Under the legislation passed, homeowners and landlords are required to install carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping. This law applies only to those occupancies that use fossil fuel to cook, heat or produce hot water or is connected to an enclosed garage.
For more information about the law, please read the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (Public Act 094-0741).
Safety Measures
- Never burn charcoal inside your home or garage
- Never heat your home with your gas rant or oven
- Always open the chimney flue when you use your fireplace
- Never run a combustible engine, such as your care, lawn mower or snow blower in enclosed areas.
Installation & Safety Tips
- Install CO alarms within 15’ of any room used for sleeping in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Placing additional detectors on every level of a home provides extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning
- Keep CO alarms clear of dust and debris
- Ensure CO alarms are plugged in all the way into a working outlet or if battery operated, have working batteries
- Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Recognize the Symptoms of CO Poisoning
- Dizziness, nausea, headache and coughing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips
Prevent CO Poisoning-Play it Safe!
If you experience symptoms:
- Call 911 or the local fire department
- Get fresh air and stay outside
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CFPD printable brochure
NFPA’S Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Focus on Fire Safety: Carbon Monoxide Safety (printable flyer)
REMINDER: Countryside Fire Protection has partnered with the Fremont Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in an effort to provide our community an easy way to properly dispose of old smoke/CO alarms. To read more about the recycle program and drop off locations, please click here.
Learn more about recycling your old smoke/CO alarm with FEMA>