With winter on the way it is important to be reminded about “Nicole’s Law” in Massachusetts. The law was named after 7-year-old Nicole Garofalo from Plymouth MA who passed away when drifting snow from a blizzard blocked a vent from a gas boiler and caused carbon monoxide to build up inside her home.
Under legislation signed into law in 2005 by then Gov. Mitt Romney, Massachusetts became the ninth state in the U.S. to require carbon monoxide detectors for residential dwellings. The measure took effect on March 31, 2006 and applies to single and multi-family housing units as well as large complexes like hotels, motels and college dorms. Housing units that have enclosed parking or equipment such as boilers, furnaces or hot water heaters powered by gas, coal, oil, or wood will be required to have a working CO detector in place.
Our friends at the Andover Fire Department have prepared this Massachusetts Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector and Placement Chart to make it easier to understand what is required under the law. Although this chart represents the states requirments, it is important to remember your local fire chief has final authority on requirements in your town.
Authored By:
Ron Carpenito– Real Estate Consultant / Owner
Ron Carpenito on Google+
