Fire Prevention and Safety Tips: Carbon Monoxide and Vehicle/Gas Fires

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide detectors are an effective way to determine if these toxic vapors are in the air in your home. As with smoke detectors and smoke/fire incidents, early warning is the key to minimizing injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Most hardware stores carry carbon monoxide detectors. Each home should have at least one (1) carbon monoxide detector installed. Once you've purchased your detector(s), read the manufacturer’s installation instructions for suggestions as to where to place them. A good rule of thumb is to place your detector(s) in a spot that is audible to you and everyone in your home. Carbon monoxide has almost the same density as air and will distribute evenly throughout the house. Therefore, the height at which you mount the carbon monoxide monitor will not be a factor when you are deciding where to place it.

Before the detector is mounted on a wall, record the installation date somewhere on the device with a permanent marker.

Units should be replaced after five (5) years of service or within the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

If your carbon monoxide detector is activated, call 9-1-1 and then immediately evacuate your residence.

Vehicle Fires and Gas/Chemical Leaks