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All HUD-assisted properties (HCVP, Project-based, Public Housing, Project Based Rental Assistance) must now be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors in order to comply with federal safety guidelines.
"This step by HUD will help keep families safe," said JPHSDD Executive Director Dorian Rawles. "Unfortunately each year we lose families because units are not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. It's amazing that something that costs between $10 and $20 could easily save a family's life."
In order to pass an inspection, all units must have a carbon monoxide detector or a carbon monoxide alarm by December 27, 2022.
HUD defines alarms and detectors as follows:
Carbon Monoxide Alarm: A single or multiple station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a sensor, control components and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: A device with an integral sensor to detect carbon monoxide gas and transmit an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.
Carbon Dioxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. It is impossible to see, and is a tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel burned in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. It can build-up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe the toxic fumes. The effects of CO exposure can vary from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. Exposure can cause harmful health conditions, permanent brain damage, life-threatening cardiac complications, fetal death or miscarriage, and death in a matter of minutes. Individuals who are asleep or intoxicated may die from CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms.
Each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized.
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