Carbon Monoxide is the #1 accidental killer in Canada. The great news is that United Alarm is keeping more and more people safe from it!
If you are at home sleeping or are away, United Alarm will dispatch the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services to inspect and help. At least 20,000 have visited the emergency room and more than 4,000 have been hospitalized due to CO poisoning, according to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Fatality is highest among 65 years old and older.
What You Need to Know about Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide, also known as the silent killer, is an odourless and colourless gas produced by stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, as well as gas ranges and heating systems. Many people mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning for coming down with the flu.
What Do You Do When the Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off?
First, DO NOT ignore the beeping of the alarm.
If you or other people from your household are experiencing the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital immediately:
- Dull headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
It is important that you DO NOT re-enter the home until emergency services has indicated it is safe to return.
If no one is showing signs or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you may follow these directions:
- Open all windows to get air ventillation
- Turn off any appliances such as your gas-fired furnace or a running generator
- After the home has been ventilated, reset the carbon monoxide detectors
Where Would You Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
In order to ensure that your home has maximum protection, it is important to have a CO detector on every floor, five feet from the ground. Carbon monoxide detectors can get the best reading of your home's air when they are placed five feet from the ground, ideally near every sleeping area.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Beep?
Check your CO detector. Many people have smoke alarms that also function as carbon monoxide detectors. To warn of dangerous CO levels, most detectors will beep 4 or 5 times in a row about every 4 seconds. DO NOT mistake dangerous levels of poisonous gas for a detector with low battery.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Go Bad?
Most carbon monoxide detectors are good for 5 to 7 years and should be replaced after that time frame. Typically, the units have a tag or date stamp on the back to indicate its age or expiration date.
How do You Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Put a CO detector in or near each bedroom of your home. Write the date purchased on the back of each alarm. Since carbon monoxide does not rise like smoke, CO detectors can be installed at any height in the room, including being plugged directly into a wall outlet. Again, though, around five feet from the floor is a good height.
- Put new batteries into the detector if needed
- Separate the unit from the frame
- Decide on a place on the ceiling or on the wall
- Mark with pencil where the screws will go
- Drill the holes for the screws
- Screw in the wall mount/frame
- Attach the unit back into the installed frame
Note that these are stand-alone alarms and will not be monitored.
How the Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Service Works
Our specialist team will install a number of electronic sensors in your home which will detect harmful carbon monoxide in the air in an instant. These devices will be monitored 24 hours a day whether your system is armed or not. This will provide you and your family a worry free night. Once high levels of carbon monoxide are detected, our Monitoring Centre will notify you immediately. Our team will also dispatch the appropriate emergency authorities.
The Benefits of the Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Service
By enlisting our Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Service, you may save the lives of yourself, your family and pets. With carbon monoxide killing too many people each year, now is the time to take action to protect your family.
Act Now! Contact us about our Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Service today and protect your family!