Smoke Detectors | Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors are life-saving devices which should be installed in every home! The following are some frequently asked questions about smoke detectors:
1. How
many smoke detectors do I need in my home?
A minimum of one (1) detector is needed on every level and one (1)
within 10 feet of each bedroom. New construction requires one inside each
sleeping area.
2. Where
do I install smoke detectors in my home?
Smoke detectors should be mounted on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall
mounted units should be hung 4-12" (10-30 cm) from the ceiling. A
ceiling-mounted detector should be attached at least 4' (10cm) from the
nearest wall. In a room with a pitched ceiling, mount the detector on
or near the ceiling's highest point.
3. My
smoke detector keeps going off and there's no smoke or fire. What's wrong?
Cooking vapors and steam sometimes set off a smoke detector. Try moving
the detector farther from the kitchen or bathroom. Replace the battery
if the detector is chirping.
4. Does my smoke detector require any care or maintenance?
- Never disable your smoke detector by "borrowing" batteries for other use.
- Install new batteries at least once a year - "Change your clocks - change your batteries."
- Clean your detectors using a vacuum cleaner, without removing the detector's cover
- Never paint a smoke detector.
- Replace any smoke detector that is more than 10 years old.
What
is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas produced
as a by-product of combustion from items such as fuel burning appliances
(i.e. non-electric furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, dryers, or water
heaters, charcoal grills), automobiles, and gasoline powered tools (i.e.
lawnmowers, snow blowers).
Carbon monoxide poisonings typically occur when appliances are improperly
used or malfunctioning and there is a limited amount of fresh airflow
to ventilate the gas build up. Regular maintenance and inspections of
gas burning equipment in the home can minimize the potential for life
threatening CO buildup or exposure to occur; however the potential always
exists.
What does a carbon monoxide detector do?
Carbon monoxide detectors help monitor for the presence of carbon monoxide
and alert when levels indicate a prolonged exposure to the gas. There
are two types available: home current (electrical hardwired, or plugged
into an outlet) and battery operated. Regardless of the type of detector
purchased, all detectors should conform to UL Standard 2034, and consumers
should read the associated literature to determine which type they prefer
to use.
Where should CO detectors be installed?
It is recommended that CO detectors be placed on each floor of a residence,
with one (1) detector on each sleeping floor and additional detectors
in areas of any major gas burning appliance, such as a water heater or
furnace. Installation in these areas ensures rapid detection of any potentially
malfunctioning appliances and the ability to hear the alarm activation
from all sleeping areas. CO detectors should be mounted high (near the
ceiling) for maximum effectiveness; however, they should NOT be placed
within five (5) feet of gas fueled appliances or near cooking or bathing
areas. Be sure to consult manufacturer's instructions for proper placement
of a detector within a given area.
What are the causes of a CO detector alarm activation?
There are many conditions that can cause a carbon monoxide detector to
alarm. Most are preventable and few are actually life threatening. Common
causes of preventable activations include: inadequate fresh air venting
of the home, running gas powered equipment in the home or garage, charcoal
grilling in the home or garage (including your automobile,) malfunctioning
appliances or equipment in the home, a generator or kerosene heater running
in a home, or a malfunctioning or overly sensitive alarm. Non-preventable
or unpredicted causes may include, but not be limited to: cracked furnace
heat exchanger, malfunctioning furnace, water heater, or other gas appliance,
blocked chimney, vehicle left running in a garage, or a gas powered device
placed near a fresh air vent to the home.
When a CO detector alarm activates…
1. Stay calm!
2. Assess health and wellbeing of anyone in the household. Flu-like symptoms
such as headache, dizziness, fatigue or nausea are the most common early
symptoms to CO exposure.
> If there is illness, evacuate the premises immediately, go
to a safe place, and have someone call 911. Be sure everyone (including
pets) is out of the house and the doors are closed. (Closing the doors
allows fire department personnel to monitor for the presence or levels
of CO before ventilating.)
> If no illness is present, likelihood of a serious exposure
is diminished.
3. If no illness is present, it is still important to have the source
of the alarm activation investigated. You should dial 911 or contact Niagara
Mohawk and advised them that your alarm has activated, but no one is ill.
Do not open any windows or doors so that when monitoring personnel arrive,
they will be able to quickly check your house, verify if there is a problem
and locate the source. Very often the failure of an appliance is a gradual
event. This failure may produce low levels of carbon monoxide. If gone
unchecked, the failure may become worse and reach life-threatening levels.
Calling 911 …
If you call 911 for a carbon monoxide alarm activation, be prepared to
provide the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your telephone number
- Whether or not anyone is ill with the "flu-like" symptoms
previously described
- Whether or not the residence has been vacated
… and be sure to follow any emergency instructions you may be given
by the emergency dispatcher.
Based on the information you provide, appropriate emergency response personnel will be dispatched to your location; fire department personnel to monitor for CO gas and advise if a carbon monoxide problem exists, emergency medical personnel to treat any victims, and law enforcement personnel to assist with evacuation if needed.
