When a carbon monoxide detector sensor goes off, it can be scary. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless threat to you and your family’s health. Found in fuel-burning engines and several appliances, carbon monoxide can become a silent killer if not detected early enough. In this blog, we’re going to discuss what to do when a carbon monoxide detector goes off.
First, let’s discuss what carbon monoxide is. Carbon Monoxide is a lethal odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas. Often mixed with other gases to make it detectable to the senses, carbon monoxide can be extremely harmful when ingested. Carbon Monoxide is the result of natural gases being partially burned. Fuels that are capable of releasing carbon monoxide include oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, coal, and even wood. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, vomiting, and nausea.
What to do when a carbon monoxide detector goes off
A carbon monoxide alarm should never be ignored. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, you should evacuate immediately and call 911. If there are no noticeable symptoms, we highly recommend still staying in a hotel for the night and having the fire department or a qualified technician inspect the senor or possible sources of carbon monoxide. If leaving the home is not an option, make sure to open all windows and doors and take time to ensure all sources of carbon monoxide are turned off. After a carbon monoxide detector goes off once, there are a few possible reasons, but you should always take protective measures and contact local professionals.
Learn More: THE 4 TYPES OF HEAT AND SMOKE DETECTORS
FAQ
Can a carbon monoxide detector go off for no reason?
In most cases, no. There is typically a reason why the CO alarm is sounding, whether it detects carbon monoxide in the air or is low on battery. Most CO detectors beep every 30 seconds if the battery is low. In rare cases, the carbon monoxide detector may be malfunctioning, but this should be determined by a licensed professional.
How do I know if my CO detector is working?
You may be wondering how to test your carbon monoxide detector. Every CO detector is different but typically there is some sort of “test” button allowing you to see if the alarm is in working order. Consult a user manual or call a Houston alarm expert if you have any questions or concerns.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
Absolutely. Even if you do not have any known sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you are still in danger of unexpected circumstances and an alarm will notify you and your family when it matters most. We highly recommend having a trained professional come out to your home to determine the best places to have a carbon monoxide detector.
At Mesa Alarm Systems, our team of security professionals is capable of providing your family with the expertise and technology you need to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide. Have peace of mind we’ll use industry best practices to evaluate your home and install detectors where they’re needed most. Don’t second guess the safety of your family; call (281) 694-4313 to talk to a Mesa representative today!
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the most common form of household poison. You can't see it, taste it or smell it. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal or cause permanent damage to your health. Get advice on what to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, where to put your carbon monoxide alarm, what kind of carbon monoxide alarm to
buy and how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If your carbon monoxide alarm is beeping, immediately get out of the building and call the relevant helpline for the fuel type: gas emergency helpline 0800 111 999, coal emergency helpline 08456 014 406, or oil emergency helpline 08456 585 080. Call a registered engineer to check all your fuel-burning appliances. To check if an engineer is on the gas safe register visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk.What to do if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off
In a medical emergency, don't delay, and call 999 immediately.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
The early symptoms of poisoning can be easily confused with many common ailments and can develop quickly or over a number of days or months. Look out for:
- a headache - this is the most common symptom
- feeling sick, dizzy, tired and confused
- being sick and having stomach pain
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Read more about carbon monoxide poisoning on the NHS website.
What to do if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning
If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:
- leave the building immediately and get out into the fresh air
- switch off all your fuel-burning appliances and open windows on your way out
- seek urgent medical advice from either your GP (for low levels of carbon monoxide) or your Accident and Emergency department if you think you have been exposed to high levels
If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 or the relevant service for your area. Call a registered engineer to check all your fuel-burning appliances. To check if an engineer is on the gas safe register visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Carbon monoxide alarms
- You need a carbon monoxide alarm or detector near any fuel-burning appliance you have.
- You should have one in every room where there is a fuel-burning appliance.
- Carbon monoxide alarms work by detecting carbon monoxide in the room.
- They rarely beep as a false alarm so if your carbon monoxide detector is beeping you should act fast and get out of the property.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should only be used as a back-up precaution. They aren’t a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances.
- If you are in a rented property, landlords are required by law to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties.
- Test your alarm regularly, at least once a month.
Carbon monoxide causes
Carbon monoxide occurs when a fuel-burning appliance has not been properly installed, maintained, or is poorly ventilated. Carbon monoxide can come from:
- boilers
- gas fires
- central heating systems
- water heaters
- cookers
- open fires and wood-burning stoves.
If the fuel in any of these appliances does not burn fully, carbon monoxide (CO) gas is produced.
Spot the signs of carbon monoxide
- Yellow or orange flames, rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame).
- Soot or yellow/brown staining around appliances or fireplaces.
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
- More condensation inside windows than you would usually have.
Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning outside the home
- Only use a barbecue outdoors and in well-ventilated areas (and never in a tent or caravan).
- Do not leave cars, petrol-fuelled lawnmowers running in the garage.
- Take care with paint cleaning and removal products. Fumes from cleaning fluids and paint removers that contain methylene chloride (dichloromethane) can also cause CO poisoning. Try to choose products that are water-based and don’t contain harmful solvents.