[July 19, 2013]AURORA --
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the enactment of the
Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act, which requires
homeowners and landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in all
buildings containing bedrooms and sleeping facilities. Since then,
Illinois has led the country in protecting its citizens from the
dangers of this invisible, odorless and potentially fatal gas, with
dozens of other states following suit.
Fast-forward six years from groundbreaking legislation, though, and
health and safety officials have a growing new concern: the need to
replace CO alarms as they approach expiration.
"Thanks to efforts
of Illinois legislators, many potential CO-related injuries or
deaths have been prevented," said Deborah Hanson, director of
external affairs for First Alert, a leader in residential fire and
CO detection devices. "But installing CO alarms is only half of the
story. Conducting ongoing alarm maintenance, including replacing
expired alarms, is necessary to maintain a home's level of
protection."
While alarm life spans may vary by model and manufacturer, a
properly maintained CO alarm has a life span of approximately five
to seven years, according to Hanson. Therefore, CO alarms installed
when the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act first came into
effect are likely now due for replacement. As an extra safety
measure, end-of-life warnings are built into most CO alarms to alert
residents to the need for replacement.
"If you can't think of the last time you installed a smoke or CO
alarm, chances are, it's time to replace your old ones," Hanson
said. "Installing new alarms ensures a home is protected with the
most advanced CO-sensing technologies and latest safety features
available. Conversely, by neglecting to replace alarms, you could be
putting yourself, your family or tenants in serious risk."
Known as the "silent killer," CO is a colorless and odorless gas
that is impossible to detect without a sensing device. According to
the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is the
top cause of accidental poisoning in the United States and is
responsible for an average of 450 deaths each year. Heaters,
fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal,
wood or petroleum products are all potential sources of CO.
CO poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches,
dizziness, chest pain and vomiting that mimic those of many other
illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In severe poisoning
cases, victims can experience disorientation, unconsciousness,
long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure or
death.
In addition to replacing CO alarms as they reach expiration,
Hanson recommends the following tips and tools for keeping your home
safer from CO:
Protect against CO poisoning
Run kitchen vents or exhaust fans
anytime the stove is in use. The kitchen stove is among the
most frequent sources of CO poisoning in the home. To help
eliminate danger of overexposure, always run exhaust fans when
cooking, especially during the holidays when stoves are left on
for longer periods of time. Also open a nearby window
periodically when cooking, to allow fresh air to circulate.
Never use
generators indoors. In the case of a power outage, portable
electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them
inside the home, in a garage or in any confined area that can
allow CO to collect. And, be careful to follow operating
instructions closely. Also refrain from using charcoal grills,
camp stoves and other similar devices indoors.
Have
fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly. Arrange for an
annual professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances --
such as furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water
heaters and space heaters -- to detect any CO leaks.
Test CO alarms.
CO alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas, yet
nearly half of Americans report not having CO alarms in their
homes. For as little as $20, a First Alert CO alarm can help
protect a home and family from potential tragedy. Install alarms
on every level of the home and near each sleeping area for
maximum protection. Test alarm function monthly and change
batteries every six months.
Be mindful of the
garage.
Running vehicles inside an attached garage, even if
the door is open, is hazardous, as CO can leak into the home.
Know the number.
Call 911 and leave the home immediately if the CO alarm sounds
Additional CO alarm guidelines
Clear CO alarms of
all dust and debris.
Ensure that alarms
are plugged all the way into the outlet or, if battery-operated,
have working batteries installed. Check or replace the battery
when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
Make certain each
person can hear the CO alarm sound from his or her sleeping room
and that the sound is loud enough to awaken everyone. If young
children are in the house, consider a new Child Awakening
Combination Smoke & CO Alarm from First Alert. Studies have
shown that children ages 6-10 wake more easily to a voice than
to the traditional audible beep of an alarm.
To reduce the number of nuisance
alarms, make sure the alarms are installed at least 15 feet away
from sources of CO.
