24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
ELECTRICAL
03/08/2023
ELECTRICAL
03/08/2023
Today we are doing a carbon monoxide awareness blog post to honour those lives lost due to carbon monoxide poisoning. We extend our sincerest condolences for your loss. It leaves us speechless when reading newspaper articles about those who have passed due to faulty or non-existing carbon monoxide detectors. To think that these lives could have been saved if the detector was in working condition and installed appropriately. So how often do carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced? We’ll be getting into the nitty gritty today to best protect your household.
Firstly, we’d like to clarify the difference between smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. “In B.C., the latest stats show there were nine deaths in 2021, and eight deaths so far in 2022” (1).
Smoke Detector: A device that is mounted on the ceiling or wall in order to detect smoke that may be present indoors. When the sensor detects smoke, an excruciatingly loud, high-pitched alarm will go off to alert inhabitants to exit the building. If the alarm is not manually turned off or called off, emergency personnel will be dispatched to your home.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: A device that is mounted on the ceiling or wall to detect any presence of carbon monoxide that may exist indoors. Similar to the smoke detector, a very loud alarm will sound off to alert all residents to evacuate the building. When the detector is faulty or non-existing, humans and pets cannot detect this odourless gas that fills the air.
These small, humble devices help protect households and continue to save lives. Whether you have a house, apartment, camper, garage, laneway, or other units, always install a carbon monoxide detector that is compatible with your home.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and colourless gas that can be severely dangerous and potentially fatal in high concentrations. In addition, when the body is filled with carbon monoxide, the body loses its ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
When your home is not properly ventilated to release carbon monoxide from the home, there is a likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s known as a “silent killer” for a reason.
In a recent tragedy on the Sunshine Coast, a victim shared: “Later that day, Taschner and LaTorre started feeling unwell and slept on and off most of the day. That night, they were violently ill and vomited. Taschner thought it was food poisoning from a grocery store-bought sushi and sandwiches” (1). This devastating victim’s story is one that cannot be forgotten but remembered and learned from.
To be sure that you eliminate such fatal consequences, this is precisely why properly installing CO detectors and maintaining them is a MUST.
CO is often emitted from equipment that burns natural gas, oil, gasoline, or wood:
– Gas stoves
– Ovens
– Barbeques and grills
– Gas furnaces
– Hot water heaters
– Fireplaces
– Wood-burning stoves
– Vehicles
– Generators
– Secondhand smoke
There are also detectors that are combination devices to detect both carbon monoxide and smoke. You may find this article by Consumer Reports informative to make your purchasing decision.
First Alert advises residents to have “CO alarms on every level of [their] house so all family members can hear the detectors and be altered to the emergency. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, sleeping area, and common room for extra safety while you and your family are sleeping” (2).
If you’d like to know more in-depth about where to place detectors, this article is for you.
Always remember to get your ventilation ducts cleaned regularly to ensure that all carbon monoxide can be released outside rather than trapped indoors.
Now that you are aware of how crucial it is to have a working carbon monoxide detector on all levels of your home, at the minimum, it’s also important to know the longevity of the detectors.
CO detectors lifespans depend on the brand and model that you have installed. Generally, they should be in working order between 2 to 10 years. It all depends on the device you own. Consult your instruction manual to know exactly when your device needs to be replaced.
To be on the safe side, it is highly advised to replace your CO detector every 5 to 7 years. Again, it depends on your owner’s manual for the specific device.
Your carbon monoxide detector batteries are highly recommended to be changed at least once a year. If your carbon monoxide detector is chirping or beeping, it may be a sign of battery life coming to an end.
There are numerous selections to choose from. You’ll find this article by Consumer Reports useful if you’re shopping for a replacement.
Test your CO detector:
If these steps do not correspond with the device that you have, consult your owner’s manual to find specific instructions.
And of course, if you would prefer to have professionals take care of changing the batteries and replacement, we’re always here to lend a hand!
First off, evacuate the building. Whether or not it’s a fault warning or an emergency, it’s best not to take any chances! Do NOT go back into the building until emergency personnel have inspected your home.
Second, contact 911 to communicate to them that your CO detector has gone off. Remain outside of the building until you are certain that it’s safe to go back inside.
To be certain that your carbon monoxide detector is in working condition, test your devices every 6 to 12 months and change the batteries accordingly. As long as you stay on top of the maintenance of the device, you’ll be sure to have accurate alerts to keep you and your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
In summary, the best way we can honour those who lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning is by spreading awareness. Keep your vents clean, and have them regularly inspected.
By keeping up with proper maintenance to ensure your detector is working perfectly, you will keep yourself and your family members safe from carbon monoxide poisoning which can potentially be a deadly situation.
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