Are you thinking of selling or buy a home in the United States after the New Year? – If so, it is important for you to note that there is a new law that will be going into effect as from January 1^st 2014, which will require all older homes to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs whenever heating sources such as, space heaters and furnaces etc aren’t functioning properly leading to a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide in bad ventilated areas. Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous toxic which robs your body of oxygen, which can cause you to die within minutes if exposed to high levels without getting immediate help. On average, there are 4 people who die as a result of carbon monoxide poising each year in Connecticut according to the State Department of Public Health. The state leaders have decided to take the necessary action due to the following statement, as well as, an tragic Christmas Day fire in Stamford in 2011 which killed 3 girls and there grandparents. Experts have said that the main reason for these deaths is due to people not having a smoke alarm or CO² alarm installed.

Starting from the 1^st of January, all houses built before 2005 will be required by law to have smoke and carbon monoxide installed. Newer homes will not be affected by this law as they are already required by law to have the safety devices installed. President of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, Rep. Dargan. MaryAnn Hebert said, “We think that it's a small investment to protect your loved ones within the comforts of your home".

Christina Fedolfi said the new law is a step in the right direction. "If you're a parent, you have to protect your kids this is one really easy peace-of-mind machine to have in your home," said Fedolfi. The alarms cost as little as $30 and can help give you and your family the time needed to get to safety. Fedolfi knows from experience the heartache of losing loved ones to carbon monoxide poisoning saying, "Five years ago, my sister, Caroline, her husband, Parker, my nephew, Owen and my niece, Sophie, died from carbon monoxide poisoning.”