"The first of eight bills before me today is Introductory Number 746, sponsored in conjunction with the Administration by Council Members Dilan, Weprin, Jackson, Mark-Viverito, Lander, Barron, Chin, Crowley, Eugene, Ferreras, Gennaro, Greenfield, Mealy, Palma, Recchia, Rose, Van Bramer, Williams and Halloran.  Introductory Number 746 requires all newly installed carbon monoxide alarms to have an audible signal that alerts residents when they expire and requires the replacement of carbon monoxide alarms upon their expiration.

"Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil-fuels, including coal, wood, natural gas and fuel oil. These materials are used in boilers, heating furnaces and other appliances.  When properly maintained, these devices produce minimal amounts of carbon monoxide. However, when improperly adjusted, installed, or vented, carbon monoxide levels can rise dramatically.  Carbon monoxide poisoning may result in nausea, headaches, dizziness and eventually unconsciousness and death.

"Local Law 7 of 2004 required carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwellings.  Depending on the manufacturer of these alarms, they have a useful life of five to seven years and so many of these alarms installed following the enactment of Local Law 7 are now expiring.  Furthermore it was not until 2009 that these alarms were required by the National Fire Protection Association to have an audible signal upon expiration so many of the alarms that were installed following adoption of Local Law 7 are now not only expiring but in many cases residents have no idea that that they are since there is no audible signal.

"Introductory Number 746 requires all newly installed carbon monoxide alarms to have an audible signal.  For those carbon monoxide alarms installed prior to the enactment of this bill, landlords will be required to replace them the later of the date of their expiration or six months following enactment of this legislation.  Alarms installed after enactment would be replaced upon their expiration. 

"Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious health concern, and the installation of detectors is an important part of an overall prevention strategy.  In addition, several common-sense measures should be taken to help prevent or minimize exposure to carbon monoxide gas:

• All fuel burning appliances should be inspected and properly adjusted on an annual basis;
• Heating systems should be professionally inspected and maintained each year before the heating season begins;
• Residents should refrain from using cooking appliances as heating devices.

"It is also my pleasure to announce that Kidde, a major carbon monoxide alarm manufacturer has agreed to donate 60,000 carbon monoxide alarms to the New York City Housing Authority. I am joined by Kidde President, James Ward, and I want to thank them for their enormous contribution to the safety of residents in public housing.

"I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway, Fire Department Commissioner Sal Cassano, Buildings Department Commissioner Robert LiMandri, Housing Preservation & Development Commissioner Wambua, Housing Authority Chair Rhea and all their staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank Chairperson Dilan and the entire City Council for approving this legislation."

Statement from Kidde President, James Ward on the donation of 60,000 CO alarms:

"Kidde commends Mayor Bloomberg and city officials for their commitment to public safety, and is pleased to donate 60,000 carbon monoxide alarms to the New York City Housing Authority," said Jim Ward, general manager and president of Kidde.  "Our mission is to provide solutions that protect people from the effects of fire and carbon monoxide, and we will continue to support this initiative and others that will help keep New York families safe."