Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

In addition to purchasing one or more Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms for your home, UL recommends these preventive measures:

• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to ensure they operate correctly and that nothing blocks the vapors from being vented out of the house.



• Install a UL-Listed CO alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions and at least 10 feet away from fuel-burning appliances and outside of sleeping areas. One CO alarm should be present on every level.



• Test your CO alarm monthly and replace the battery annually.



• Make sure all family members know the difference between the sound of a CO alarm and smoke alarm.



• Never ignore a CO alarm. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately operate the reset/silence button and call your fire department or 9-1-1.



• After a CO alarm goes off, move to fresh air, either outside or to an open window or door. Account for every household member.



• Don't re-enter your home or move away from the open door or window until the emergency services have arrived, the home is sufficiently aired out and the CO alarm doesn't reactivate.



• If your CO alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat the steps above and call a qualified technician to examine your appliances, identify the source of CO, and make any appropriate repairs.