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Carbon monoxide detectors are an important aspect of child fire safety. They play an essential part in keeping your children and family safe.
Carbon monoxide (CO) has been called the “silent killer.” It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas produced as a by-product of combustion. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, even in a small amount, it combines with the hemoglobin in the red blood cells and prevents oxygen from reaching all areas of the body.
Carbon monoxide detectors are NOT
in place of Smoke Detectors.
You must have both throughout your home.
Infants and small children can be affected by carbon monoxide quicker than a normal, healthy adult and therefore will be the first to show symptoms.
Click here for more information on carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms and its effects on your children.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement
The placement can vary depending on the CO alarm you buy. They can either be directly wired into the building’s electrical circuit or plugged in.According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a “CO alarm or detector must be centrally located outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on every level within the dwelling unit." "Each alarm or detector should be located on the wall, ceiling, or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.” Placing a detector near your children’s rooms is a good idea, so they can hear the alarm if it goes off. Another location that is important is near gas burning appliances such as water heaters of furnaces. Having an alarm in these areas will help in early detection of carbon monoxide from an appliance that may be emitting more than it is supposed to. Although you do want a CO alarm by the above appliances, make sure they are not within five feet of gas fueled appliances or near the stove where you are cooking.
Carbon Monoxide Producing Appliances in Your Home
- Fuel fired furnaces (non-electric)
- Gas water heaters
- Fireplaces and woodstoves
- Gas stoves
- Gas dryers
- Charcoal grills
- Lawnmowers, snowblowers and other yard equipment
- Automobiles
The above list of appliance is just a guide so you know what in your home not only emits carbon monoxide, but should also be checked to make sure it's not emitting too much.
Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
As with your smoke detectors, test your carbon monoxide alarm at least once a month. Make sure you and your children know the difference between the sound of your smoke alarms and CO alarms. And, with both kinds of alarms, it’s a good idea to have a battery back up in case of power outages.
Carbon Monoxide and Your Family
CO alarms are very important for your family. They provide early detection of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home and have proven to save lives. Know the symptoms that are associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and the best ways to protect your children.
Again, please read the installation instructions from the manufacturer to make sure that you are installing your carbon monoxide detector in the right areas and in the right way.
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