Now Is The Time To Upgrade Safety Measures to Help Prevent CO Poisoning in Your Home

From Absarokee to Whitefish, Montanans have been protected against the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning for years, thanks to Montana Senate Bill 161, which implemented CO protection measures statewide in 2009. Since then, CO alarms have helped save countless lives from the dangers of this invisible, odorless, and potentially fatal gas.

With the passage of Montana Senate Bill 161, the “Treasure State” began requiring CO alarms to be installed in all landlord-controlled dwellings, and the disclosure of CO alarm presence or absence when transferring titles.

However, alarms don’t last forever. Now, 14 years after Montana’s first CO alarm requirements were enacted, First Alert – the most trusted brand in fire safety* – is partnering with fire departments and safety organizations across the country to bring awareness to the importance of replacing alarms before they expire.

“These CO alarm requirements marked a turning point in protection for Montana residents,” said Ashley Gocken, a First Alert fire safety expert with Resideo Technologies. “This anniversary highlights how crucial it is to replace expiring alarms in order to detect this poisonous gas and help to provide early warning.”

Carbon monoxide alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50,000 emergency department visits and approximately 450 deaths are attributed to accidental CO poisoning in the U.S. each year, making it the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the country. CO can be produced by any fuel-burning device, including heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, or petroleum products. It’s critical to have appliances inspected by certified licensed technicians, educate loved ones on the dangers of CO, and learn what to do in case a CO alarm sounds.

CO poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and vomiting that mimic those of many other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In severe poisoning cases, victims can experience disorientation, unconsciousness, long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure, or death.

While alarm lifespans may vary by model and manufacturer when Montana enacted its first CO alarm requirements, a properly maintained CO alarm had a lifespan of approximately five to seven years. Therefore, CO alarms installed when Montana enacted these requirements are again due for replacement.

“If you can’t recall when you last installed a CO or smoke alarm, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace your old units,” Gocken said. “Installing new alarms and testing them regularly are some of the most essential steps in home safety. First Alert offers a variety of alarms available in hardwired, wall-mount, plug-in, and tabletop options to meet the needs of any household.” CO alarm options include the 10-Year Sealed Battery Tabletop Alarm with Temperature Display, 2-in-1 10-Year Sealed Battery Combination Alarms for both smoke and CO protection, as well as plug-in CO alarms with battery backup.

In addition to replacing CO alarms as they reach expiration, First Alert recommends the following tips:

· Install alarms. CO alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of the home and near each sleeping area for maximum protection. Also, make sure the alarms are installed at least 15 feet away from sources of CO to reduce the possibility of nuisance alarms.

· Test alarms regularly. It is also important to test alarms regularly and change batteries every six months unless the alarm is powered by a sealed, 10-year battery. All First Alert alarms are equipped with a test/silence button for easy testing.

Never use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage, portable generators must be used outside only (at least 20 feet from your home). Never use them inside the home, in a garage, or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect, and be careful to follow operating instructions closely. Also, refrain from using charcoal grills, camp stoves, and other similar devices indoors.

· Be mindful of the garage. Never leave a car running in the garage as CO can build up in the space.

· Call 911. If an alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and move to fresh air. Then call 911 and do not return until the home is inspected and cleared.

For more information on CO safety, visit http://www.firstalert.com. For more information about CO legislation by state, visit http://www.firstalert.com/legislation.