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11
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Carbon monoxide alarms are devices that can provide an early warning of the
presence of CO gas at a reasonable cost. However, alarms have sensing limitations
and may not always sound a warning in the presence of CO. The alarm will not operate
if the battery power is low or dead, or if the battery is missing. CO alarms must be
tested regularly to ensure that they are receiving power and operating properly. Carbon
monoxide alarms cannot sense CO that does not reach the alarm, and therefore CO
alarms may not detect CO which is in another area of the home. Furthermore, if the
alarm is located on a different level of the home, or on the other side of a closed door, it
may not waken a sound sleeper. The use of drugs and alcohol may impair ones ability
to hear the alarm. If you have a multi-level home, install CO alarms on each level of the
home. If the alarm is installed in a hallway and the bedroom doors are kept closed at
night, install a CO alarm within each bedroom.
Although CO alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning to the
presence of carbon monoxide, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy.
Homeowners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect their lives and
property.
10. GOOD SAFETY HABITS
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE:
Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes
from each room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
Have a family meeting to discuss your escape plan, and show everyone what to do
in case an alarm sounds.
Determine a place outside your home where you can all meet if an alarm sounds.
Familiarize everyone with the sound of the alarm and train them to leave the home
when they hear it.
Practice a CO fire drill at least once every six months. Practice allows you to test
your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your children.
It is
important that they know what to do.
Discuss the symptoms related to
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
with all
members of the household. (See Section 1
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING?
)
