Carbon Monoxide Protection Tips
The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) recommends the following safety tips for protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area of the home and on each floor of the home. For greater protection, connect the CO alarms throughout the home so that when one activates, they all activate.
- Adhere to all manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for installation.
- Identify and store all local emergency contact numbers for a CO alarm emergency. Program these numbers in your cell phone as well, in case you are not at home when an alarm activates.
- Test monthly and confirm that each CO alarm is operating properly to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the CO alarm activates, immediately relocate everyone in the home to a safe location outdoors, or move into an open doorway that leads outside.
- Call for help only from a safe location, and remain in the safe location until emergency personnel arrive.
- Never start and run an automobile in an enclosed area such as a garage. Simply opening a garage door is NOT sufficient ventilation.
- In the event of a large snowstorm, ensure that all exterior dryer, furnace and/or stove vents are clear of any debris or packed snow.
- A gas-powered generator should only be used in a well-ventilated outdoor location.
- Never operate gas or charcoal grills indoors. Use in only outdoor manufacturer recommended locations.
Unlike smoke which can be detected by sight and smell, carbon monoxide can fill a home without any warning. Installing a monitored carbon monoxide detector in your home not only gives you peace of mind, it could also be your first line of defense.