Local Insurance Agents

According to the  USFA (United States Fire Administration) a Carbon Monoxide detector  should be installed outside all sleeping areas (about 10 feet away  from a bedroom). The USFA says that detectors should not be placed  within 5 feet of any appliance which uses products of combustion  (e.g. stove, heater, automobile) The device should have an audible  or visual warning device with the capability to alert residents or  occupants to a potential problem.

Carbon Monoxide  detectors trigger an alarm based on anaccumulation of Carbon  Monoxide over time. Carbon Monoxide detectors require a continuous  power supply, so if the power cuts off the alarm becomes  ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up battery power.   CO is  approximately the same weight as air and will rise with warmer air;  therefore the best location is the ceiling.  A CO detector  should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area  in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms on each floor level.     

Installation in these areas ensures rapid detection of any  potentially malfunctioning appliances and the ability to hear the  alarm from all sleeping areas.  The power ought to be able to  operate the alarm signal for at least 12 continuous hours. If  battery powered then it must have 1 year of battery life. Testing  should be done at least once per month and per Manufacturer's instructions. Health Effects of Carbon  Monoxide.

Combination CO and Smoke Alarms There are different types and brands of CO detectors. They can be separated into two classes based on how they operate: household current or batteries. Underlying this, in most cases, is the type of sensor employed in the detectors operation. Detectors using main current (hardwired) typically employ some type of solid-state sensor that purges itself and re-samples for CO on a periodic basis. This cycling of the sensor is the source of its increased power demands. Detectors powered by batteries typically use a passive sensor technology, which reacts to prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor or color, but it is very dangerous. It can cause sudden illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those made by cars and trucks, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these fumes can build up in places that don't have a good flow of fresh air. You can be poisoned by breathing them in.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

It is often hard to tell if someone has CO poisoning because the symptoms may be like those of other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.

If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation. If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning -- headache, dizziness or other flu-like symptoms -- immediately evacuate the premises and call the fire department.

If no one is experiencing these symptoms, continue to ventilate, turn off fuel-burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect your heating system and appliances as soon as possible. Because you have provided ventilation, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds and your problem may appear to be temporarily solved.

Do not operate any fuel-burning appliances until you have clearly identified the source of the problem. A CO detector alarm indicates elevated levels of CO in the area. Never ignore the alarm!!!