What It Means When Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm Beeps
The only way to determine if carbon monoxide is in your home is to have a fully working carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent danger; there is no odor or color that alerts you of its presence. Carbon monoxide can be present in your home, and poisoning may be mistaken for a cold or flu when it is actually something much worse. The beep of your carbon monoxide detector can prevent severe or even tragic complications from exposure to this harmful gas.
Take Quick Action if Your Alarm Beeps
When your carbon monoxide detector beeps, first determine if you or any member of your household is suffering from any of the following symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or disorientation. If so, everyone should exit the home immediately. Call 911 or go to the closest hospital. Do not enter your home for any reason until an emergency service has tested your home for the presence of carbon monoxide and finds it safe for you to re-enter. If no one in your household has any of the previously mentioned symptoms, prevent them from occurring by naturally ventilating your home. Do not turn on any air conditioning appliances to do so; an appliance could be the reason for the carbon monoxide. Open all windows and turn off any appliances in your home. After at least an hour, reset the carbon monoxide detectors to see if they sound again. If they do, call the fire department and leave your home and do not return until you are authorized to do so. If the alarm does not sound, call a technician to make sure your detector is working properly.
Call Your Protection 1 Team
After you ventilate your house or leave the premises, contact Protection 1 to discover the cause of the alarm. Your representative can let you know if CO levels were detected, if the alarm was tampered with or if the device needs to be replaced.
Listen for the Particular Sound of a CO Detector
A carbon monoxide detector does not sound the same as a smoke detector. It sounds similar to the way a smoke detector beeps when it needs a battery replacement. It will beep at a regular rate to alert you of a carbon monoxide presence.
Know Possible Triggers for a Beeping Carbon Monoxide Detector
Learn more about how carbon monoxide is expelled to prevent the CO detector from sounding. It is caused by a malfunctioning stove, gas range or heating system. Any lanterns in the home can cause an unhealthy amount of carbon monoxide, as well as burning wood or charcoal in a fireplace.
As you can easily see, prompt action is required to ensure the safety of your household. Keep your CO detector fully charged and in good repair and take the proper actions if you ever hear the call of the alarm.