Guidance Issued on New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law Changes in Louisiana Affecting New and Existing Homes and Structures

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) issued guidance to the housing and real estate industries on September 13, 2022, to aid them in preparing for an anticipated change in the legislation regulating the presence of carbon monoxide alarms in homes throughout Louisiana.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office worked with State Representative Stephanie Hilferty (R-Metairie) during the 2022 Legislative Session to create and adopt what is now Act 458. Simply put, any home sold or leased after January 1, 2023, must have at least one carbon monoxide alarm.
Furthermore, the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Council amended the state’s residential building code to require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed at the same time as a whole-house standby generator. This adjustment will likewise take effect on January 1, 2023.

“These changes are the direct result of the tragic aftermath of the 2020 and 2021 hurricane disasters across our state that saw more than a dozen carbon monoxide-related deaths and dozens more hospitalizations, all attributed to both portable and standby generator use,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “We’re grateful to the housing and real estate industry for being proactive ahead of the law change to ensure everyone is appropriately educated on this effort to save lives well before the law goes into effect.”

The advisory notice gives full details on the law change and its obligations. It is available on the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office website.

Regardless of any legal requirements, the LASFM emphasizes the need of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the house. The LASFM’s Operation Save-A-Life can assist residents with purchasing a smoke alarm. More information on the program can be found on the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office website.

Follow this link to visit the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office website.