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Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Safety – Protect Your Home and Family
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, wood, or charcoal burn incompletely. Because you cannot see or smell CO, having a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home is essential to keeping your family safe.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that causes over 400 deaths and more than 100,000 emergency room visits annually in the United States. The majority of accidental exposures happen in residential settings, from malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances like furnaces and generators, or from vehicle exhaust in attached garages.
Why CO Alarms Are Important
CO poisoning can happen quickly and without warning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. A properly installed carbon monoxide alarm can alert you early, giving you time to leave your home and call 911.
Placement and Installation Tips
- Install a CO alarm on every level of your home, including the basement.
- Place alarms near sleeping areas to ensure you can hear them at night.
- Avoid placing alarms directly above fuel-burning appliances or in areas with high humidity.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and battery replacement.
Maintenance and Replacement
- Test your CO alarm monthly to ensure it is working properly.
- Replace batteries at least once a year, unless using a long-life battery model.
- Most CO alarms need to be replaced every 5–7 years. Check your device’s label for specific guidance.
Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are exposed.
Initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors.
- Keep fuel-burning appliances well-maintained and properly vented.
- Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the door open.
What to do if your CO Alarm sounds:
- Immediately move everyone to fresh air outdoors.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Do not re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe.