Carbon Monoxide Alarms Required Under the Law in Wisconsin

Wisconsin state law now requires a carbon monoxide detector on each level of all one- and two-family homes that have any fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

For example, a three bedroom, two-story home with an attached garage, gas heat and a fireplace would require three carbon monoxide alarms, as well as six smoke alarms. That’s more than $200 worth of devices, just to meet minimum requirements.

Town of Madison Fire Chief Dave Bloom says it’s actually pretty cheap protection when you consider the consequences. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it’s an odorless, tasteless gas that’s highly toxic.

The Capital Times says about 400 people die and 20,000 people are injured by carbon monoxide each year in the U.S.