Law requires CO detectors in all new homes

MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A new law goes into effect Monday requiring all new homes in Michigan to have carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas that can build up in your home from your furnace or portable heaters.

It can make you disoriented, pass out and even die.

A state representative introduced the new law last year in memory of a northern Michigan couple who died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Just over a year ago five members of a Spring Lake family were hospitalized from breathing carbon monoxide. They did not have a detector in their home.

In 2006 two Marcellus teenagers and their father died from carbon monoxide poisoning. It happened while they were sleeping in a trailer on a trip in Missouri.

Investigators say Kayla and Derrick Cox and their father Jeffrey died after fumes built up from a generator.

Local fire officials say CO detectors are an important tool for every home. "If they don't have a carbon monoxide detector, they should buy one. It's a cheap form of insurance for your life," said Lieutenant Jon Uribe of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Bob Horton, the Building Inspector in Oshtemo Township says that the new law also requires anyone who gets a building permit to install CO detectors. One needs to be located outside the sleeping area, one near the furnace and one in the garage if it is attached to the home.

Carbon monoxide detectors cost between 30 and 50 dollars.