Installing a Carbon Monoxide detector as a part of your alarm system can save your life. Carbon Monoxide is completely invisible and odorless, therefore many people don't realize they are being exposed.
Many CO detectors merely sound an alarm when the PPM (Parts Per Million) levels get to a certain percentage. It is best, however, to have a detector that always displays the PPM on an LED or LCD display. This way, you will always know at a glance the exact PPM of Carbon Monoxide in your residence.
What is carbon monoxide? Basically, it is any unburned fossil fuels that can be released by:
* Furnaces/boilers;
* Gas or fuel-oil water heaters;
* Gas or wood fireplaces;
* Gas stoves;
* Defective chimneys/vents;
* Automobiles in attached garages.
* Furnaces/boilers;
* Gas or fuel-oil water heaters;
* Gas or wood fireplaces;
* Gas stoves;
* Defective chimneys/vents;
* Automobiles in attached garages.
If your alarm alerts you to a high Carbon Monoxide level in your home, leave immediately and call 911. Never re-enter the home, until CO levels have been inspected.
To avoid CO exposure:
* Ensure heating appliances are installed and used properly.
* Check that chimneys and vents draw gas outside.
* Inspect heating systems, chimneys and vents annually.
* Never use charcoal grills inside.
* Never heat homes with gas kitchen stoves.
* Never leave vehicles idling in attached garages.
To avoid CO exposure:
* Ensure heating appliances are installed and used properly.
* Check that chimneys and vents draw gas outside.
* Inspect heating systems, chimneys and vents annually.
* Never use charcoal grills inside.
* Never heat homes with gas kitchen stoves.
* Never leave vehicles idling in attached garages.
It is a good idea to have your CO detector inspected and/or replaced every two years!
Above: It is best to use a CO Detector that displays PPM on an LED or LCD display.
What is a CO Detector? How Do CO Detectors Work?
Some of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic the flu (headache, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and/or rapid heart rate), furthering the deception. After a longer period of exposure the body becomes oxygen starved, which can result in tissue damage and eventually, death. In some conditions, the average adult male can die in as little as 90 minutes from CO exposure.
Home | Article Archive | Alarm Devices | Home Security Alarm Design | Before You Get A Quote | Cameras & CCTV | Crime Prevention | Evaluate Your Home Security | Just For Fun | National Alarm Reviews | Local Alarm Reviews | Review Submission | Securing Doors | Securing Windows
Copyright 2006-2008 Home Security
Return To: Alarm Devices Page
