Here's a few suggestions that could help you feel safer in your home or sleep better at night when you're away
1) Installing a switch in the house to control the electrical outlet for your garage door controller(s). Should you need to leave your house for an extended period, all electrical power for the garage door(s) is shut off by the new switch; and when you return home ... a flip of the switch returns the operation to normal.
2) If your garage door(s) do not already have them, manual slide bar(s) can be installed for additional security. These are installed and slide into one of the door(s) track slot openings. If worried about damaging your door(s) when these are installed, you can paint them red as a reminder to disengage prior to opening when you return to your home.
3) Padlocking the referenced manual slide bars could be an additional precaution of preventing the garage being used as an exit way and/or removing any furniture, golf carts or vehicles.
4) Install a peep-hole viewer in the door from the house into your garage just like the front door. If you are in the habit of leaving your garage door open for convenience or venting while your car cools down, even if you think you don't leave it open enough for someone to get in - be careful... and finally
5) Always look and listen before you open the door to the garage and then turn on the lights inside the garage before you open the door and look and listen again before opening. If you do not have a switch for the interior garage lights inside the door within reach of your view from teh newly-installed peephole, call an electricial and install one or move the existing one closer.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, November 25, 2011
Safety and Security tips continued
Carry personal protection devices such as pepper spray. Personal protection at home must be secured but available and only that which you are kept fully trained in and comfortable with.
Be kept aware of “Best Practices” in security and disaster/emergency preparedness. “Best Practices” is a continually evolving process.
Be aware of your surroundings. Take a moment to look around. Are there any strangers or suspicious people around? What is out-of-place? What is different? What could be a threat to me? Make awareness a simple and easy task every time you exit or enter a door, enter another area and when you exit and enter your neighborhood and home. Also, what looks normal might be criminal activity, such as people taking items and appliances out of a home into a truck or van. If your instincts tell you something is not right or makes you uncomfortable, be ready to reverse direction back where you came from such as back into your home, a mall or office. Ask for assistance and/or report your suspicions. Keep the “She Bear” attitude of a female grizzly bear protecting her cubs, of which she is the fiercest animal in the forest. When walking, don’t look down, keep that “I am on a mission attitude” and be prepared to tell someone to “take” off and/or call for help. Keeping a positive offensive attitude will not mark you as a victim.
Be kept aware of “Best Practices” in security and disaster/emergency preparedness. “Best Practices” is a continually evolving process.
Be aware of your surroundings. Take a moment to look around. Are there any strangers or suspicious people around? What is out-of-place? What is different? What could be a threat to me? Make awareness a simple and easy task every time you exit or enter a door, enter another area and when you exit and enter your neighborhood and home. Also, what looks normal might be criminal activity, such as people taking items and appliances out of a home into a truck or van. If your instincts tell you something is not right or makes you uncomfortable, be ready to reverse direction back where you came from such as back into your home, a mall or office. Ask for assistance and/or report your suspicions. Keep the “She Bear” attitude of a female grizzly bear protecting her cubs, of which she is the fiercest animal in the forest. When walking, don’t look down, keep that “I am on a mission attitude” and be prepared to tell someone to “take” off and/or call for help. Keeping a positive offensive attitude will not mark you as a victim.
Merry Christmas ~ 2011
My wish this year is to extend all the best the holiday season offers to you and your family. We have so much to be thankful for in this day and age ... and state of the economy ... Take a moment and refelect ... We all have our lists and when you check yours, please add our brave young men and women overseas and our veterans that preceded them ... and during the Holdiday season ... call an old friend or family member you've not spoken to in a while or include them in your christmas card list.
As creativity escapes me this year, please enjoy this creation from
Christmas past.
What a wonderful time of year.....
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
As creativity escapes me this year, please enjoy this creation from
Christmas past.
What a wonderful time of year.....
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
La Quinta's finest give great tips for Halloween safety
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special time for children. The following safety and crime prevention tips will make Halloween safer for everyone.
SAFER COSTUMES
The brighter the better. Choose bright colors, flame-retardant materials,
and attach reflective tape to the costume. Size it right. Make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing underneath—but not too loose or long to cause tripping. Skip the mask. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
TRICK OR TREAT
Get in on the fun. Do not allow your child to go out alone. Pin your child’s name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Carry a flashlight so motorists can see you. Set ground rules. Instruct your child to stay in their own neighborhood, trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on, and NEVER enter the home of a stranger.
Inspect the treats carefully. Don’t let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats and discard anything not sealed, torn or looks questionable. “When in doubt, throw it out.” Report suspicious treats to the police.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Walk safely. Children should walk, not run, from house to house. Guide your
child to use the sidewalk, if possible, and not walk in the street. Cross streets at the corners and never cross between parked cars, in the middle of the block, or diagonally across the intersection. If you have further questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special time for children. The following safety and crime prevention tips will make Halloween safer for everyone.
SAFER COSTUMES
The brighter the better. Choose bright colors, flame-retardant materials,
and attach reflective tape to the costume. Size it right. Make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing underneath—but not too loose or long to cause tripping. Skip the mask. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
TRICK OR TREAT
Get in on the fun. Do not allow your child to go out alone. Pin your child’s name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Carry a flashlight so motorists can see you. Set ground rules. Instruct your child to stay in their own neighborhood, trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on, and NEVER enter the home of a stranger.
Inspect the treats carefully. Don’t let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats and discard anything not sealed, torn or looks questionable. “When in doubt, throw it out.” Report suspicious treats to the police.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Walk safely. Children should walk, not run, from house to house. Guide your
child to use the sidewalk, if possible, and not walk in the street. Cross streets at the corners and never cross between parked cars, in the middle of the block, or diagonally across the intersection. If you have further questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Disaster Preparedness - Are you ready for the big one?
You should review review the enclosed article and even discuss the items in your family "Emergency meeting" and do not discount any ... for example - elevator avoidance - while we don't have a lot of elevators in the desert, they are at more places than you realize ... Hospitals, numerous stores at the mall, restaurants, etc... For your convenience this article is reprinted from the Chamber's "GEM". Be ready and be safe.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Monday, September 12, 2011
La Quinta Police - PREVENTING THEFT
“La Quinta's finest featured the following article in the 'GEM'. It is worthwhile reading again.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Is your house safe?
A new law passed that requires placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all residences, whether Owner Occupied or Leased out. You have probably seen the commercials ... so be safe, obey the law, protect your loved ones and tenants ... and save yourself from a horrible lawsuit because you kept forgetting to handle it. Here's some info for you
Q 1. What is carbon monoxide?
A Carbon monoxide is a gas produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. A person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. However, at high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes.
In addition, there are well-documented chronic health effects of acute carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to carbon monoxide, such as lethargy, headaches, concentration problems, amnesia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, memory impairment, and personality alterations.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13261.)
Q 2. Is there a new California law dealing with the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A Yes. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13260 et seq.) was signed into law this year. It requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in every “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy.” The California legislature also modified both the TDS (for residential one-to-four unit real property) and MHTDS (for manufactured homes and mobilehomes) to include a reference to carbon monoxide detector devices. See below for more details.
Q 3. What is a carbon monoxide detector?
A It is a relatively inexpensive device similar to a smoke detector that signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air. Under the law, a carbon monoxide device is “designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm.” It can be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device installed as recommended by Standard 720 of the National Fire Protection Association that is either wired into the alternating current power line of the dwelling unit with a secondary battery backup or connected to a system via a panel.
If the carbon monoxide device is combined with a smoke detector, it must emit an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning.
The carbon monoxide device must have been tested and certified pursuant to the requirements of the American National standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as set forth in either ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075, or successor standards, by a nationally recognized testing laboratory listed in the directory of approved testing laboratories established by the Building Materials Listing Program of the Fire Engineering Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13262.)
Q 4. How does a homeowner comply with this law?
A Every owner of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” must install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
The applicable time periods are as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all other existing dwelling units on or before Jan. 1, 2013.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(a).)
Q 5. How many devices and where do I place them in the home?
A This new law requires the owner “to install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable to new construction for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so” (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(b)).
The following language comes packaged with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors:
For minimum security, a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.
Building standards applicable to new construction are as follows (overview summary only):
• Section R315 et seq. of the 2010 edition California Residential Code (CRC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to new one-to-two family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories and also where work requiring a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding one thousand dollars in existing dwellings units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
• Section 420 et seq of the 2010 edition California Building Code (CBC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to other new dwelling units and also where a permit is required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000 in existing dwelling units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Q 6. Are there any penalties for noncompliance with this law regarding installation of carbon monoxide detector devices?
A Yes. A violation is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. However, a property owner must receive a 30-day notice to correct first. If an owner who receives such a notice fails to correct the problem within the 30-day period, then the owner may be assessed the fine. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(c).)
Q 7. Can a buyer of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” rescind the sale if the dwelling doesn’t have the necessary carbon monoxide detectors?
A No. However, the buyer may be entitled to an award of actual damages not to exceed $100 plus court costs and attorney’s fees. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(d).)
Note the following language in the TDS and MHTDS:
Installation of a listed appliance, device, or amenity is not a precondition of sale or transfer of the dwelling. The carbon monoxide device, garage door opener, or child-resistant pool barrier may not be in compliance with the safety standards relating to, respectively, carbon monoxide device standards of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12 of, automatic reversing device standards of Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 19890) of Part 3 of Division 13 of, or the pool safety standards of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 115920) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of, the Health and Safety Code. Window security bars may not have quick-release mechanisms in compliance with the 1995 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
Q 8. Does a seller have any special carbon monoxide disclosure obligations?
A No. The only disclosure obligations are satisfied when providing a buyer with the TDS or the MHTDS. If the seller is exempt from giving a TDS, the law doesn’t require any specific disclosures regarding carbon monoxide detector devices. (See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102.6, 1102.6d.)
The Homeowners’ Guide to Environmental Hazards also will include information regarding carbon monoxide.
Q 9. May local municipalities require more stringent standards for carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(e)).
Q 10. Do landlords have any special obligations regarding carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes. All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide detectors as indicated in Question 4. The law gives a landlord authority to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices “pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code [entry by landlord].”
The carbon monoxide device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession. However, the tenant has the responsibility of notifying the owner or owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. The landlord is not in violation of the law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he or she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.1.)
Q 11. If the California Building Standards Commission adopts or updates building standards relating to carbon monoxide devices in the future, is the owner required to install the newer device?
A It depends. Yes, when the owner makes an application for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions to that dwelling unit with the cost exceeding $1,000. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.2(b).)
Q 1. What is carbon monoxide?
A Carbon monoxide is a gas produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. A person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. However, at high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes.
In addition, there are well-documented chronic health effects of acute carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to carbon monoxide, such as lethargy, headaches, concentration problems, amnesia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, memory impairment, and personality alterations.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13261.)
Q 2. Is there a new California law dealing with the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A Yes. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13260 et seq.) was signed into law this year. It requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in every “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy.” The California legislature also modified both the TDS (for residential one-to-four unit real property) and MHTDS (for manufactured homes and mobilehomes) to include a reference to carbon monoxide detector devices. See below for more details.
Q 3. What is a carbon monoxide detector?
A It is a relatively inexpensive device similar to a smoke detector that signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air. Under the law, a carbon monoxide device is “designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm.” It can be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device installed as recommended by Standard 720 of the National Fire Protection Association that is either wired into the alternating current power line of the dwelling unit with a secondary battery backup or connected to a system via a panel.
If the carbon monoxide device is combined with a smoke detector, it must emit an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning.
The carbon monoxide device must have been tested and certified pursuant to the requirements of the American National standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as set forth in either ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075, or successor standards, by a nationally recognized testing laboratory listed in the directory of approved testing laboratories established by the Building Materials Listing Program of the Fire Engineering Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13262.)
Q 4. How does a homeowner comply with this law?
A Every owner of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” must install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
The applicable time periods are as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all other existing dwelling units on or before Jan. 1, 2013.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(a).)
Q 5. How many devices and where do I place them in the home?
A This new law requires the owner “to install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable to new construction for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so” (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(b)).
The following language comes packaged with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors:
For minimum security, a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.
Building standards applicable to new construction are as follows (overview summary only):
• Section R315 et seq. of the 2010 edition California Residential Code (CRC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to new one-to-two family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories and also where work requiring a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding one thousand dollars in existing dwellings units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
• Section 420 et seq of the 2010 edition California Building Code (CBC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to other new dwelling units and also where a permit is required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000 in existing dwelling units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Q 6. Are there any penalties for noncompliance with this law regarding installation of carbon monoxide detector devices?
A Yes. A violation is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. However, a property owner must receive a 30-day notice to correct first. If an owner who receives such a notice fails to correct the problem within the 30-day period, then the owner may be assessed the fine. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(c).)
Q 7. Can a buyer of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” rescind the sale if the dwelling doesn’t have the necessary carbon monoxide detectors?
A No. However, the buyer may be entitled to an award of actual damages not to exceed $100 plus court costs and attorney’s fees. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(d).)
Note the following language in the TDS and MHTDS:
Installation of a listed appliance, device, or amenity is not a precondition of sale or transfer of the dwelling. The carbon monoxide device, garage door opener, or child-resistant pool barrier may not be in compliance with the safety standards relating to, respectively, carbon monoxide device standards of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12 of, automatic reversing device standards of Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 19890) of Part 3 of Division 13 of, or the pool safety standards of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 115920) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of, the Health and Safety Code. Window security bars may not have quick-release mechanisms in compliance with the 1995 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
Q 8. Does a seller have any special carbon monoxide disclosure obligations?
A No. The only disclosure obligations are satisfied when providing a buyer with the TDS or the MHTDS. If the seller is exempt from giving a TDS, the law doesn’t require any specific disclosures regarding carbon monoxide detector devices. (See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102.6, 1102.6d.)
The Homeowners’ Guide to Environmental Hazards also will include information regarding carbon monoxide.
Q 9. May local municipalities require more stringent standards for carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(e)).
Q 10. Do landlords have any special obligations regarding carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes. All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide detectors as indicated in Question 4. The law gives a landlord authority to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices “pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code [entry by landlord].”
The carbon monoxide device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession. However, the tenant has the responsibility of notifying the owner or owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. The landlord is not in violation of the law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he or she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.1.)
Q 11. If the California Building Standards Commission adopts or updates building standards relating to carbon monoxide devices in the future, is the owner required to install the newer device?
A It depends. Yes, when the owner makes an application for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions to that dwelling unit with the cost exceeding $1,000. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.2(b).)
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