At least 70% of homes DO NOT have CO Detectors.
| Smoke detectors have been around since the 1970s. Many studies have shown that working smoke detectors can reduce the chance of you or your family members dying in a house fire by 50%! They can literally save your life. Carbon monoxide detectors, on the other hand, have only been around since 1993, and like smoke detectors, can be life savers. These detectors protect us from carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that’s also colorless, odorless, and deadly. This poisonous gas is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels like coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home doesn’t automatically mean you and your family will be safe. There are many things to consider: |
The number of smoke detectors needed and their placement:
One working smoke or CO detector in your home will not guarantee your safety.
Multiple smoke detectors should be placed throughout your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, here’s where you should place smoke detectors:
a. One smoke detector on each floor level;
b. One smoke detector in each bedroom; and
c. One smoke detector in the bedroom hallway.
Smoke detectors should not be placed in your kitchen or garage because smoke from cooking or exhaust from your car could set them off constantly.
The number of CO detectors needed and their placement:
Like smoke detectors, the NFPA recommends having more than one CO detector. A CO detector should be placed on each floor level plus outside each sleeping area. The only place a CO detector should NOT be placed is near the water heater and furnace. A small amount of unused natural gas is normal when either of them start up. So if your alarm is installed near them, they could be set off constantly. Please remember, the primary role of CO detector is to alert you of high levels of CO.
Testing: Fire experts recommend testing your smoke alarm(s) once a month by pressing the test button on the alarm. If the alarms in your home are interconnected, one push of the test button should set all of them off. If they’re not connected, press the test button on each alarm. If your alarm doesn’t go off after pressing the test button, the batteries in the alarm should be replaced. Never use an open flame to test your alarm(s).
Maintenance: Smoke and CO detectors require very little maintenance; however, it’s good practice to change your batteries twice a year, when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends. It’s also a good idea to occasionally vacuum away dust and cobwebs in the area around your detector.
Replacing detectors: Smoke detectors last about ten years. Experts recommend that you replace them after ten years even if they seem to be working just fine. The manufacturer of my CO detector recommends replacing it after seven years. To be safe, always refer to the instruction manual for both your smoke and CO detectors so you know when to replace them.6. Nuisance: Remember that a disconnected smoke alarm provides no protection to you or your family.Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fairly inexpensive, but their value can be priceless if they save your life. So make sure you use and maintain them properly.