Carbon monoxide, or “CO”, is a silent, odorless, colorless, and flammable gas. This gas is produced from stoves, grills, lanterns, fireplaces, and vehicles – things we use regularly each day. However, it is poisonous to those who breathe it in.
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and other “flu-like” symptoms. If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.
So if this poisonous gas is silent, odorless, colorless, and flammable – how can you detect it in your home to stay safe?
Have All Florida Alarm Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home, and be sure to check and/or replace the battery every six months. Place these detectors in areas where the alarm will be heard or even wake you if necessary, like your bedroom. The CDC suggests you change the batteries every spring and fall during Daylight Savings as a trick for remembering, and replace the CO detector every five years.
Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year to check for any odors that could be leaking CO.
Smoke detectors, CO detectors, and heat detectors that can call the fire department are available, and are incredibly beneficial to people with pets, kids home alone, or seasonal homes, so that if there is an issue and the homeowner is not home, the fire department is still called. Having this feature connected to your home alarms may also offer you discounts on your home owners insurance.
