On January 1, 2013 new Washington state regulations go into effect requiring carbon (CO) monoxide alarms in all residential dwelling units. This applies even for dwellings that don’t have fireplaces or gas-fired appliances, because these are not the cause of the most severe incidents.

Following a 2006 windstorm, 250 people were treated for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the Puget Sound area and eight died, all from either burning charcoal briquettes inside their homes or from improper use of gasoline-powered generators. In response to these tragedies, new state-wide law and building codes require CO alarms in most residential buildings, including single-family homes.

More information on carbon monoxide alarm requirements may be found on the Seattle Fire Department website at http://www.seattle.gov/fire
General information on carbon monoxide poisoning can be found at: http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/brochures/carbon%20monoxide.pdf