Don't delay compliance with carbon monoxide alarm law.

Local Law 7 requiring carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in New York City (NYC) residential dwellings, schools and hospitals went into effect on Nov. 1, 2004.

Despite the law's compliance deadline, millions of NYC residents are still vulnerable to accidental CO poisoning as landlords work through the task of installing these important life-saving devices in the buildings and apartments they manage. But delaying compliance could cost lives and cause serious illness.

New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals more than 15,000 Americans get sick from accidental, non-fire related exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) every year, and another 500 die. Of non-fatal cases in the research, only 9.3 percent had CO alarms installed in their homes.

It is sad statistics like these that helped convince New York City officials that it was time to do something about carbon monoxide safety in the city's five boroughs. The new law requires the installation of at least one CO alarm within 15 feet of sleeping areas in all residential dwellings where fossil fuel-burning furnaces or boilers are used.

Yet some people are still unaware of the law and the dangers of not having at least one CO alarm in their homes or the housing units they manage. Case in point: One Harlem apartment resident, Iona Shelley, contacted First Alert[R] recently to tell us that her landlord did not install a CO alarm in her apartment until February, and when it alarmed, he was unaware of how to deal with it properly.

Luckily, Iona called the fire department and after they investigated, they found that a faulty boiler one floor below was filling her apartment with deadly amounts of CO. Her call not only saved her life, but also the lives of everyone else in her apartment building.

This situation had a happy ending, but it illustrates the importance of not only having a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to the presence of CO, but also of understanding what carbon monoxide is and what to do when your alarm sounds.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that results from the incomplete burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas (from stoves or heaters), wood, kerosene, oil, charcoal, gasoline and other materials. Severity of poisoning depends on the concentration of CO, length of exposure, age and cardiovascular health of those affected. At moderate levels, CO poisoning can resemble the flu, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. At high levels, CO poisoning can be deadly.

When a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, everyone in the dwelling should immediately move to a predetermined meeting place that provides a source of fresh air. Designating a meeting place outside is the safest option. Once there, they should call 911 or the fire department. CO alarms need to be left intact in the home so emergency responders can check it when they arrive and provide further instructions. Residents should not re-enter home until it is thoroughly aired out and the CO alarm returns to normal operation.

First Alert, the leading manufacturer of home-safety' products, is working with fire services officials in New York City to ensure homeowners, renters, building managers and landlords understand the importance of installing CO alarms not only to comply with the new law, but also to save lives. As this example illustrates, they do.

Our company offers several models of battery-operated, plug-in, hardwired and combination CO/ smoke alarms--all UL listed, which means they provide the highest level of protection and accuracy. To comply with the new code, building managers and homeowners have the option to update, replace, or install new CO alarms. The products can be purchased from a variety of distributors including Home Depot Supply, Graybar and Wilmar, as well as a variety of retailers and home improvement outlets.

Now is not the time to delay installing CO alarms. Ignoring the new law could be a deadly mistake.

MARK COLELLO,

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, BRK BRANDS/FIRST ALERT