Carbon Monoxide

LC-CFRS was recently awarded a grant that allows a limited number of combination smoke-carbon monoxide alarms to be provided to qualifying residents at no cost. 

If you are interested in learning more, complete the smoke alarm request form by clicking the button to the right and indicate you are interested in a combination alarm. Supplies are limited. We look forward to serving you!

Overview

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide when damaged or misused. Other sources of carbon monoxide include: cars, generators, lawn mowers and grills. Never use these items inside as motors can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that could lead to serious illness or death.

Important: If you have a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage you should have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

Symptoms

A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time. The 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, and dizziness. More serious exposure can lead to dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, fainting, and even death. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms provide early warning of the presence of CO, usually before a healthy adult would experience symptoms. There is a standard that indicates which points residential CO alarms must alarm. The alarm sounds when it has been exposed to a “critical” level of CO (measured in parts per million or “ppm”) within a specified time (measured in minutes).  Reference your manufacturer's owner manual for specific information on your alarm's functionality. This early warning is possible, however, only if your CO alarm is located, installed and maintained as described by the manufacturer.

When the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds

If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home. 

Carbon Monoxide Basics

Learn what you can do to protect your family from the dangers of CO.

pictograph co locations

Location, Location, Location

If you have a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage you should have a working carbon monoxide alarm. 

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. 

pictograph co finger test

Pass the Test

To ensure the carbon monoxide alarm is working it should be tested at least once a month.

If it does not respond properly, try changing the battery. If it still does not work, replace the alarm. 

pictograph CO alarm

Take Care of Your Alarm

Check your battery and change as needed. Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually between 5 and 10 years.

When replacing an alarm be sure to choose one that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for installation.