City of Akron Now Requiring Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Residential Buildings
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of City of Akron Press Office
Published: 11-14-2022
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2022 — Last week, Akron City Council unanimously passed an ordinance which requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in residential structures that use fuel-burning appliances.
The new law gives the Akron Fire Department and the Department of Neighborhood Assistance the authority to inspect buildings for CO detectors, like they currently do with smoke alarms. The ordinance is complaint driven and the city aims to focus first on education and voluntary compliance. Owners and landlords who remain noncompliant would be subjected to fines or potential criminal penalties depending on the violation.
“Simply put, this ordinance is about saving lives,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “If we can prevent even one death by ensuring CO detectors are required, it will be worth it. I applaud City Council for their swift action and support in this matter.”
“Carbon monoxide is commonly known as the 'silent killer' because it's colorless, odorless, tasteless, and in most cases non-irritating," said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Clarence Tucker. "If you don't catch the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion) it's quite possible that you may lose consciousness before being able to call for help, and then it may be too late. This ordinance helps us better protect Akron residents by not only requiring detectors in residential buildings but also bringing this issue to the forefront so we can educate residents about the dangers of not having a detector in their home.”
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels and is often produced by malfunctioning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters, boilers, room heaters, and fireplaces. When this happens, CO can build up in the dwelling and poison those in the home who are unknowingly breathing in the deadly gas.
The city’s ordinance now requires any residential dwelling with a fuel-burning appliance to have a carbon monoxide detector installed outside each separate sleeping area and on each floor including basements.
To file a complaint with the city, please call 3-1-1 (330-375-2311), the Housing Compliance office at 330-375-2366, or you can fill out the form here and email to [email protected].
If you are a property owner with a question, please contact the Housing Compliance office at 330-375-2366 or email [email protected]
