**Carbon Monoxide Detectors**‏

Like smoke detectors, CO detectors should have their batteries replaced twice a year when we turn the clocks back/forward.
 
Please take the time to read the following Q@A's. Remember the life you save may be your own or your families!

WHERE DOES CARBON MONOXIDE COME FROM?

Carbon monoxide gas comes from the burning of natural gas, oil, charcoal, gasoline, wood, and other materials. You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide.


WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS FROM BREATHING CARBON MONOXIDE?

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Trouble breathing
Loss of consciousness
Severe poisoning can result in seizures, serious injury or death.


WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?

Exposure to house fires,
Using poorly maintained or unvented furnaces, boilers, stoves, hot water heaters, or other fuel burning equipment,
Using gas stoves or ovens to heat the home,
Using clogged chimneys and heating exhaust vents,
Using an outdoor grill inside the home, a garage, or a tent,
Using kerosene or propane space heaters indoors,
Running cars, generators, or gas-powered tools in enclosed areas (garage), or
Starting a car or truck when the exhaust pipe is blocked with snow.


DO I NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Yes, because carbon monoxide is colorless and has no odor, you may not know that there is a problem. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you and your family when there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Occupants are responsible for keeping and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in good repair.


IF I RENT MY HOME, HOW CAN I GET A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Ask your landlord to install a carbon monoxide detector.


WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PUT THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Install a detector within 15 feet of each bedroom, so that it can be heard if you are sleeping. Remember, homes may need more than one detector, depending on how many bedrooms there are and where they are located. Proper placement of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Homeowners should remember not to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms.

When considering where to place a carbon monoxide detector, keep in mind that although carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air (carbon monoxide's specific gravity is 0.9657, as stated by the EPA; the National Resource Council lists the specific gravity of air as one), it may be contained in warm air coming from combustion appliances such as home heating equipment. If this is the case, carbon monoxide will rise with the warmer air.

Installation locations vary by manufacturer. Manufacturers' recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with each one's specific detector. Therefore, make sure to read the provided installation manual for each detector before installing.


DO I NEED A CO DETECTOR IF I OWN A SMOKE DETECTOR?

Yes. Because there may not be any smoke present when there is a carbon monoxide problem, a smoke detector is not enough. However, you may use a combination device that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide.


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALARM SOUNDS?

Open your windows.
Leave your home.
Get to fresh air immediately.
Call 911.


TIPS TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN HOMES.

Test all carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month. 
 
Replace your carbon monoxide detectors batteries twice a year, in the spring and in the fall when clocks are changed for daylight savings time, or when there is a low battery signal. Even if your detector uses electricity, battery back-up is needed in case there is a power loss. 
 
Never paint over carbon monoxide detectors.
Never use your gas oven or stove to heat your home.
Never run a car inside the garage. In the winter, make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow before you start the car engine.
Never use an outdoor grill inside your home, a garage, or a tent.
Never use kerosene or propane space heaters indoors. 
 
If you use a generator during a power outage, keep it outdoors, away from open windows or enclosed areas.