Few Objections at CO Detector Public Hearing

A measure that would require carbon monoxide detectors in all Havre de Grace homes likely will be a "slam dunk" when voted on next week, one City Council member said.

The council almost always passes public safety measures recommended by the local fire department, Councilman Jim Miller said after Wednesday night’s meeting.

Seven citizens,  including Susquehanna Hose Company Fire Chief Scott Hurst, attended the City Hall public hearing about the ordinance.

Hurst first proposed requiring carbon monoxide detectors in dwellings last summer, when he provided council President Bill Martin  a study showing the benefits of detectors.

The proposal has since gained momentum, with the backing of the Susquehanna Hose Co. and the interest of City Council members.

The new code would require a carbon monoxide detector in every dwelling within the city, and in the case that there is more than one unit per dwelling, a detector will be required in each unit and also the basement, should one exist.

Additionally, a carbon monoxide detector will be required on every floor of a single family dwelling where a bedroom exists. 

"If it's a multi-family building, you would need one on each floor," Martin explained during Wednesday night's meeting.

Hurst spoke briefly to the council, saying he didn't want to belabor the points he has made in the past, but wanted to share carbon monoxide tragedies and near-tragedies that have occurred since he last spoke in a public forum.

"Two more people died in Baltimore City from carbon monoxide poisoning, and five others were taken to hospital," Hurst said, explaining one of the five people treated was a small child who nearly died.

Since he last presented in front of the council, Hurst said 30 people have been taken to hospitals in Maryland for carbon monoxide poisoning. 

"Last weekend two people were taken to the hospital from a generator in the basement," Hurst said, adding another two people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Baltimore City last night.

"There is no home that could not have carbon monoxide in it, it doesn't matter if it's electric or gas." Hurst said. 

Hurst said Havre de Grace is being proactive by taking action on carbon monoxide legislation, since Maryland State Fire Law already includes it, and language was also included in the National Building Code which was adopted by the Harford County Council.

"I believe it goes into effect very soon," Hurst said.

Resident Bill Watson spoke out against requiring carbon monoxide detectors in every dwelling—as he's done in previous public hearings and council meetings—stating it was unnecessary for those without fireplaces, fossil fuels or attached garages.

Watson cited California, Wisconsin and Illinois as states were legislation has excluded dwellings without natural gas.

"We have a law that should only apply to homes that have fossil fuel burning devices," he said, calling his opposition a "common sense approach."

"We can't legislate against stupidity. There's going to be accidents that are going to happen. We can't legislate against stupid people," he said.

Landlord Carol Rimel said she would like to see more education about carbon monoxide for the community.

"Is there anyway we can start educating the community about things without turning around and making a new law or new code?" Rimel asked.

Responding to citizens concerned the ordinance would infringe on their rights, Hurst said it's simply a matter of public safety.

"I promise you if this gets done, it will save lives," he said. 

The ordinance will be voted on during the , scheduled for Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.