hey guys. the carbon monoxide detector in my home started going off earlier today. it turned out to be a false alarm, but i feel like i should take this opportunity to say: it is so important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home! carbon monoxide is scentless and tasteless, so you won’t know unless you have one! if you don’t have one, get one! if you do have one, when was the last time you replaced its batteries? and how old is it? carbon monoxide detectors last for about 10 years, so if yours is older than that, replace it! if it dies, it could either go off indefinitely (which is what caused my family’s incident,) or not go off when it’s supposed to (this is much worse!)
important addition!
do you often hear a shrill beep every minute or so?
that’s probably your carbon monoxide detector telling you to replace the batteries!
(text version: 4 beeps and a pause: emergency. this means that carbon monoxide has been detected in the area, you should move to fresh air and call 9-1-1.
1 beep every minute: low battery. it is time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm.
5 beeps every minute: end of life. this chirp means it is time to replace your carbon monoxide alarm.)
according to first alert, you’re also supposed to replace your carbon monoxide detectors every 7 years, because the sensors get weaker! yes, even if it’s not giving end-of-life beeps!
carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to permanent brain damage and death
(plain text: carbon monoxide poisoning can leas to permanent brain damage and death)
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and loss of consciousness.
over 400 americans die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, over 100,000 visit emergency rooms, and over 14,000 are hospitalized
(plain text: over 400 americans die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, over 100,000 visit emergency rooms, and over 14,000 are hospitalized)
please don’t take the risk, the best way to stay safe is to replace your carbon monoxide alarm’s batteries when needed, and entirely replace your carbon monoxide alarm when it reaches the end of its life
