Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives by sounding an alarm if either is present at an unacceptable level in the detectors’ vicinity.
Ideally one of each alarm should be fitted to every bedroom in your home, and on every level. At a minimum, they should be fitted on each floor if the bedroom doors are close to one another (depending on local regulations).
Carbon monoxide is a killer. The problem with CO is that it is invisible, it doesn’t smell, and you can’t taste it. This silent killer is, in fact, the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States. There are a number of common home items which are sources of carbon monoxide, including barbecue grills, stoves, gas furnaces and water heaters.
Inhaling CO can result in loss of consciousness, coma, or death, so its seriousness should not be underestimated. With the loss of an average of 450 lives and around 20,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. each year, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger to any household.
Fitting carbon monoxide alarms will help protect you by sounding the alarm before you start to experience ill-effects from CO. An electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor triggers an electrical current to set off the alarm if carbon monoxide is detected.
As for a house fire, an early alert could save your life. Fire, and more often – smoke – kills. This is why laws exist for your family’s protection.
The best types of smoke detectors use ionization and photoelectric technology. Not all fires are the same, and in order to provide your family the maximum in fire-safety protection your smoke alarms should use both ionization- and photoelectric-sensing technologies.
Ionization-sensing technology is better for the early detecting of flaming fires.
Photoelectric detection will sound the alarm for slow-burning, smoldering fires.
All smoke alarms are designed to detect particles of smoke, it’s just that having a duel smoke alarm offers the most comprehensive protection.
As for types of alarms, some are AC-connected, others are battery operated, and some are AC-operated with battery backup. Whatever happens, don’t ignore flat batteries. Whether fitted as back up, or as the main source of power, a flat battery makes a smoke or CO detector completely useless. It is amazing how many deaths are caused by people not bothering to change flat batteries. Check alarm batteries frequently.
In conclusion, check the state laws where you live for what requirements are in force for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carry out safety audit of all the rooms in your house. Buy and fit (or have a professional fit them) the appropriate alarms. Enjoy your home in safety!
