Did you know that seniors, especially those with heart and respiratory disease, anemia, or other pre-existing conditions, are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning? Everyone needs to keep an eye on their carbon monoxide detectors and spring is an excellent time to check up on them.
Here's a quick guide for ensuring your home's carbon monoxide detectors are ready to sound off in case of an emergency, potentially saving lives in the process.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Fuel-burning appliances and fixtures produces carbon monoxide (CO) which is an odorless, tasteless, and potentially deadly gas. These include gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. If carbon monoxide builds up in an enclosed area and reaches unhealthy levels, it can cause severe illness or even death.
Why Is It Important to Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home?
Carbon monoxide detectors can sense dangerous levels of CO gas before it can cause health problems. They can alert you so you and your household members can leave the building. Also, call the local emergency services—typically the fire department—to locate the problem.
Where Should Carbon Monoxide Detectors Be Installed?
According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement and garage), preferably with one unit inside each bedroom. Take care when placing detectors within 10 feet of furnaces, which can trigger alarms during the start-up process.
How to Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Testing your carbon monoxide detectors is an important step to making sure they are working properly. The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing the battery of your carbon monoxide detectors once each month, even if the batteries are only there to back up detectors that are wired into the home's electrical system. You can do this by pressing and holding the test button on the detector until you hear the alarm sound.
How to Maintain Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Like any household appliance, carbon monoxide detectors need regular attention. Here's how to maintain them:
- Clean the detector. To ensure your detector is working properly, clean it with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth every six months. This will help remove dust and debris.
- Replace the batteries. Swap out the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors every six months using fresh, high-quality batteries.
- Replace the detector. Replace your carbon monoxide detector every five years, even if it seems to be working.
Your Safety Is Our Business
Checking your carbon monoxide detector each month is just one of many ways you can monitor your home for potential hazards. If you need further help with making sure your home is safe and secure, contact us at Senior Helpers of York and Adams Counties today. Whether you need help with routine tasks from light housework and meal preparation to changing your CO and fire detectors. We're not just in-home care specialists. We're helpful companions here to help seniors in York, Hanover, Gettysburg, Red Lion, or anywhere in York or Adams County remain independent in their homes.