Home Security CO Alarms

How to:

CO alarms detect oils, natural gas, gas, kerosene, charcoal, coal, etc. It is important that you understand what CO alarms do, and why you should have them installed in your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and invisible gas, which has claimed lives, or injured thousands yearly. Carbon monoxide accumulates from oil burning appliances, gas stoves, furnaces, ovens, space heaters, poor venting, water heaters, dryers, etc. Most times the Carbon monoxide level is ok, yet at times, the level may rise, putting you at risk.

Since you could be at risk, it is wise to install CO alarms into your home. In addition, you should randomly test your appliances, CO alarm, etc. If your furnace is cracked, you may be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have a chimney in your home, be sure that vents are open, and that the chimney or flues are not blocked. If the area has debris buildup, or other types of build up, you should clean the area immediately.

If you use grills for cooking, wood stoves, or fireplaces to heat your home you will need to install proper vents. Improper vents will cause carbon monoxide to build and spread in your home, undetected. If you have a CO Alarm, thus the alarm will immediately alert you when you are at danger. If you are running more than one appliance simultaneously, fresh air is limited. Even if all your appliances are working properly, you could be at risk.

Carbon monoxide is called the “Silent Killer.” The killer steals your oxygen. Carbon monoxide when breathed will enter into your bloodstream, bonding with your hemoglobin’s, which in turn steals your oxygen. You will experience symptoms, since Carboxyhemoglobin, which is a toxic compound affects your system. Carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, etc, and can even cause you to die. Brain damage is one of the worst outcomes caused from carbon monoxide, outside of death. According to resources, thousands of people die each year, resulting from tasteless, smell less, and invisible consumption of carbon monoxide. Another 10,000 people fall ill to carbon monoxide.

TIPS: Cars in closed areas, such as your garage should never be left running.

How do I tell if I am exposed to carbon monoxide?
Some people cannot tell they were exposed. If you have been exposed to a low volume of carbon monoxide you may feel nausea, fatigue, or experience flu-like symptoms. You may also have headaches, or vomit. If you have been exposed by a medium volume of carbon monoxide, you may experience rapid palpitations, drowsiness, severe headaches, or feel confused. Severe cases include unconsciousness, lung failure, heart failure, convulsions, death, and/or brain damage.

If you have installed a CO alarm and it sounds off, the first thing you must do is get your family fresh air. You should get your family outside where fresh air is available, and call 911. Do not enter the home until the emergency team has arrived and tells you its ok.

If you are recommended to repair particular appliances, stove, etc, in your home before re-entering, do so. Do not take life for granted.

When you install your CO alarm, you will have instructions and a guide to help you decide where to install the alarms. It is important that you avoid installing your device in areas not recommended by NPFA. The alarms should be installed near bedrooms, in hallways, and areas away from appliances, such as stoves, etc.