The Role of Alarms
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is a matter of preparation. You should have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, particularly near bedrooms. This will alert you if a leak occurs in the middle of the night when you and your family are most vulnerable to any emergency issues.
Follow the manufacturer instructions when installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Use the test button to see whether the device is operating properly (this will not tell you about the levels of carbon monoxide present at that point – just that the device is working).
Note when expiration dates when installing to know when the alarm has outlived its warranty -- you’ll need to replace it periodically.
It is recommended that you place your carbon monoxide detectors high on the wall and make sure that those plugged into an electric outlet have a battery backup. Don’t place the alarm near a heating vent or in an area where it might be covered by drapes or furniture, which can block the fumes from reaching the device. Do not put one in your kitchen or near fuel-burning fireplaces, but do have an extractor fan in the home that can help with ventilation in the event of a problem.
When the alarm sounds, it is best to move outside immediately to fresh air and call the local emergency services or fire department. Wait for help to arrive and do not re-enter the home until responders have given the all-clear.
If your alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period after the initial incident, it is probably time to get a qualified appliance inspector on the premises to determine the source of the potential leakage. Carbon monoxide leaks can come from nearby garages as well as appliances or faulty heating devices, so keep that in mind as you search for the source.