Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Rest Assured Your Family is Safe At All Times

Just as each and every family should own a smoke detector, people should also be aware of the necessity for carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are similar to smoke detectors in the fact that they detect harmful substances and they send out a shrill alarm to warn the inhabitants of the home or building.

So, what exactly is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas substance that is unfortunately odorless and colorless, therefore hindering people from detecting it themselves. Carbon monoxide is often present when there is an incomplete combustion of fossil fuels that become toxic to the human body when inhaled.

What can cause or produce carbon monoxide? Gas stovetops, space heaters, blocked chimneys, flames, or even a car running in a closed garage can produce carbon monoxide. If you have a gas stove top, be sure to make sure the dial is completely turned off when you are done cooking; if the stove is still turned on but is not producing any flames, it can sometimes form carbon monoxide.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, confusion, or headaches can occur if someone has been exposed to excessive amounts of carbon monoxide.

Why should you get a carbon monoxide detector? If too much carbon monoxide is inhaled, it can reach lethal levels. Because the nature of carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, a sleeping family would never know they were in fatal danger unless they had a proper detection device.

What kinds of carbon monoxide detectors are there? There are basically two different types of carbon monoxide detectors: biomimetic and electrochemical. The biomimetic works with synthetic hemoglobin, and goes from a light color (white or beige) to a dark brown of black color when carbon monoxide is present. This acts as both a visual and audible warning system, as it triggers and alarm when CO levels get high enough. The next kind of carbon monoxide detector is an electrochemical detector. This kind of detector is the most accurate because contains chemicals that work with and are extremely sensitive to carbon monoxide. It also last longer than the other forms of detection devices.

What should you do when the detector goes off? When a CO detection device goes off, you either need to exit the building immediately, or, if the CO levels are low (but present), open windows and doors and turn on fans to create as much circulation of air as possible.

Remember, the safety of your family could be compromised if you do not own a CO detection device. To make it easier on families, there are now dual smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices available for purchasing. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide can be deadly, and without a proper warning system, there is no easy way to detect this deadly gas. The cost is well worth the safety of you and your family…it truly could mean the difference between life and death! Fire prevention and home fire safety should be second nature to ensure the well-being of your family members. Please take the time - The steps are simple!