Burnette Insurance Blog

Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. These products are all sources of CO which can be deadly if proper safety precautions are not taken.

There are different types and brands of CO detectors. They can be separated into two classes based on how they operate: household current or batteries. Underlying this, in most cases, is the type of sensor employed in the detectors operation. Detectors using a main current (hardwired) typically employ some type of solid-state sensor that purges itself and re-samples for CO on a periodic basis. This cycling of the sensor is the source of its increased power demands. Detectors powered by batteries typically use a passive sensor technology, which reacts to prolonged exposure to CO gas.  You can also purchase an alarm that is a combination of CO & Smoke detectors.

HOW TO RESPOND TO A CO DETECTOR ALARM

SAFETY TIPS

•Have a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances at least once each year. Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require annual maintenance. Over time, components can become damaged or deteriorate. A qualified technician can identify and repair problems with your fuel-burning appliances. 

• Be alert to the danger signs that signal a CO problem: streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances; the absence of a draft in your chimney; excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets; moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms; fallen soot from the fireplace; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe; damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney and rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home. 

• Be aware that CO poisoning may be the cause of flu-like symptoms such as headaches, chest tightness, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and breathing difficulties. Because CO poisoning often causes a victim’s blood pressure to rise, the victim’s skin may take on a pink or red cast. 

• Install a UL listed CO detector outside sleeping areas. A UL Listed CO detector will sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate. CO indicator cards and other devices are also intended to detect elevated levels of CO, but most are not equipped with an audible alarm, and cannot wake you at night, when most CO poisonings occur. 

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing a CO detector. Do not place the detector within five feet of household appliances. If your detector is wired directly into your home’s electrical system, you should test it monthly. If your unit operates off of a battery, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year. 

• Avoid placing your detector directly on top of or directly across from fuel-burning appliances. These appliances will emit some CO when initially turned-on. Never use charcoal grills inside a home, tent, camper or unventilated garage. Don’t leave vehicles running in an enclosed garage, even to “warm up” your car on a cold morning.

We hope this tips and information can help prevent an injury or something worse in your house or business.  Did you know that there are also discounts for smoke & CO detectors available on your personal home policy in Georgia?