Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors have saved many lives by giving early warnings. These early warnings have woken homeowners at the early stages of a fire or gas leak.

It is especially important to have them near areas where gas leaks and fires are prone to start. This includes installing them near your garage and furnace, in your basement and kitchen and wherever you have gas appliances or fireplaces.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas. It is formed when fuels like kerosene, charcoal, oil, coal and wood are inadequately burned. Internal combustion engines such as those in automobiles, portable generators and lawn mowers also produce Carbon Monoxide.

In the United States, natural gas does not contain carbon monoxide; however, incomplete combustion of the fuel source may produce it.

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning presents with flu like symptoms. This includes headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and dizziness. High levels of carbon monoxide poisoning causes mental confusion, loss of muscular control, vomiting, loss of consciousness and in extreme levels death.

carbon monoxide alarm

There are detectors on the market that detect both fire and carbon monoxide.  You should test your detectors at least once a month using the test button to make sure the alarm sounds.  When disposing of detectors return them to the manufacturer as some contain a small amount of a radioactive element.

Fire Extinguisher

Another must have in your home is a fire-extinguisher. Make sure to acquire one that carries proper classification and has Underwriters Laboratory approval. Periodically inspect the extinguisher gauge to ensure it is fully charged and ready for use.

Extinguishers should be placed where they can be easily seen or accessed. If you should have to use your extinguisher be sure to replace it immediately with a new one and dispose of the old one according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

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