In an effort to enhance home safety, the New Orleans City Council has given the green light to an ordinance that's about to make carbon monoxide (CO) alarms a household necessity. As of today, an agreement is in place requiring that every one and two-family home within the city limits will now need to be equipped with these potentially life-saving devices.
The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is teaming up with the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), to hand out "10yr Combination Carbon Monoxide (CO)/Smoke Alarms" at no cost, for residents of Orleans Parish. The NOHD has secured a grant allowing for the acquisition of these alarms, while the NOFD will take charge of the installation process. The fire department, which has been fitting homes with smoke alarms for years through its "Install Dat" program, is well-prepared to handle this expanded initiative, according to a press release from the City of New Orleans.
Often referred to as the "silent killer," CO is a hidden threat; it is both odorless and colorless, and is a byproduct of several common combustion sources like heaters and stoves. The physical toll it can take, including symptoms such as headaches and nausea, as per the city's press release.
The same channels used to request "Install Dat" alarms can be utilized to ask for the new combo alarms. Orleans residents can reach out by dialing 504-658-4714, or by navigating to the City of New Orleans Fire Safety page. It's important to highlight the request for a "Combination Alarm" in the additional comments of the online form. The program currently limits distribution to just one such device per level in each home.
This ordinance is a step toward reducing the risks of CO exposure, which can be particularly dangerous due to its undetectable presence in homes. Through the collaboration of NOFD and NOHD, New Orleans residents will receive a safety tool at no cost, contributing to an enhanced sense of security.
