This November, during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is reminding residents to take a few simple steps that can save lives. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly — but it’s also completely preventable with the right precautions and properly installed CO alarms.
Since July 1, 2019, Montgomery County law has required most single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage to have carbon monoxide alarms installed outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. These alarms are designed to alert you before CO reaches dangerous levels, providing an early warning and vital protection for your household.
As the colder months approach and heating systems, fireplaces, and fuel-burning appliances see more use, now is the perfect time to test your CO alarms, replace old units, and review safety tips to keep your family safe from this silent threat.
Why is this important?
Carbon Monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless, tasteless and invisible making this toxic gas one of the most overlooked, and potentially deadly, dangers in homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 400 people die and 50,000 people are admitted to emergency rooms as the result of CO poisoning each year. Carbon Monoxide Alarms are designed to keep you and your family safe.
Does this new law apply to me?
Homes built before 2008 that are powered by electricity and do not have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage are not required to install Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
Types of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
There are a wide variety of Carbon Monoxide Alarms on the market and include battery-powered, plug-in and hard-wired Carbon Monoxide Alarms and meet the requirements of the new law.
For years Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms were separate units. Recently, alarms have been manufactured that have the technology to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. These "combination alarms" need to match the power source for the home's smoke alarms.
Power Source Requirements
For properties built before 2008, the power source for your Carbon Monoxide Alarmscan be battery operated, hard-wired with a battery back-up or plug-in with a battery back-up. If you’re installing combination smoke/CO alarms, the power supply must comply with the same Code requirements that apply to your home’s smoke alarms.
Proper Installation Locations
For homes built after January 1, 2008, CO alarms should be installed according to the building codes in place at the time of construction or renovation. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for best results.
At what height should Carbon Monoxide Alarms be installed?
Unlike smoke which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. Carbon Monoxide Alarms may be installed at any height. However, if a combination smoke/CO alarm is used it must be installed on or near the ceiling, per manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure that it can detect smoke effectively.
What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, upset stomach, chest pain and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can help you respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
What do the different beeps mean?
A Carbon Monoxide Alarm has different beep patterns to communicate whether there is an emergency or simply a service or maintenance issue. It is important to know the difference between the different beep patterns. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
What if my Carbon Monoxide Alarm sounds?
Immediately have everyone in the home get outdoors to fresh air and call 911 from outside the building. Because Carbon Monoxide Alarms can detect low levels of carbon monoxide, your alarm may activate before anyone feels ill. Signs of CO poisoning don't always happen right away. CO poisoning can happen gradually over a period of days or even weeks, depending on the levels of CO in your home. Re-enter your home only after it has been deemed safe by emergency responders.
When should Carbon Monoxide Alarms be replaced?
Replace Carbon Monoxide Alarms when the manufacturer’s replacement date is reached, when the alarm fails to respond to an operability test, or the end-of-life signal is active.
Where can I get Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
Carbon Monoxide Alarms are available for purchase at many stores and on-line. Only purchase alarms that are approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in order to ensure that your alarms meet their strict testing and safety requirements.
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