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Carbon Monoxide Safety

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds

Get everyone outside into fresh air immediately. Call 911 from outside, account for everyone, and stay out until emergency responders say it is safe to return.

 


Carbon monoxide alarms save lives

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas you cannot see, smell, or taste. It can build up when fuels do not burn completely, causing sudden illness or death.

A working carbon monoxide alarm warns you when dangerous levels of CO are present. Learn how to recognize common sources, choose and install alarms, keep them working, and respond when an alarm sounds.



Recognize poisoning symptoms and act quickly

Carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble the flu, often without a fever. Exposure can also impair judgment, so people may not realize they are in danger.

Common symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Everyone is at risk. Infants, older adults, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems may be more likely to become ill.

If an alarm sounds or you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning

  1. Go outside immediately. Move everyone to fresh air.
  2. Call 911 from outside. Tell the dispatcher that carbon monoxide exposure may be involved.
  3. Account for everyone. Do not go back inside to look for people, pets, or belongings.
  4. Stay out. Do not return until emergency responders say it is safe.
  5. Get medical care. Tell the healthcare provider that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

Common sources of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and wood do not burn completely. Poorly vented or malfunctioning equipment can allow carbob monoxide to build up indoors.

Heating

Furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, gas or oil heaters, and wood or pellet stoves

Cooking

Gas ranges and ovens, charcoal grills, propane grills, and camp stoves

Tools and power

Portable generators, pressure washers, lawn equipment, and other fuel-powered tools

Vehicles

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and other fuel-powered engines


Choose, install, understand, and maintain your alarm

Select a topic for practical carbon monoxide alarm guidance.

Choose an alarm that fits your home

Choose an alarm listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Follow its instructions for placement, testing, maintenance, and replacement.

Carbon monoxide only

Detects carbon monoxide.

Smoke + carbon monoxide

Detects smoke and carbon monoxide.

Gas + carbon monoxide

Detects carbon monoxide and gases such as propane or natural gas.

Check the power source: Depending on the alarm and applicable requirements, it may be battery-operated, hardwired with battery backup, or plug-in with battery backup.

Place alarms where they can protect sleeping areas

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a carbon monoxide alarm on every level and outside sleeping areas. Oregon requirements for homes being sold or rented focus on each level with bedrooms.

  • Each sleeping levelInstall an alarm on every level where bedrooms are located.
  • Near every bedroomPlace it inside the bedroom or within 15 feet outside its door.
  • Keep it uncoveredDo not let furniture, curtains, or other objects block the alarm.
  • Follow the labelUse the manufacturer's mounting, spacing, and location instructions.

Avoid poor locations: Do not place an alarm in a kitchen, near a heating vent, or directly above a fuel-burning appliance unless the manufacturer directs otherwise. Local requirements may vary.

Know what the alarm is telling you

Battery, trouble, and end-of-life signals vary by model. Keep your alarm's instructions where everyone can find them.

BEEP × 4 — PAUSE

Carbon monoxide emergency

Go outside immediately. Call 911 from outside and stay out.

CHIRP … CHIRP

Battery or trouble

Check the label and instructions. Replace the battery or alarm as directed.

CHIRP PATTERN

End of service life

Replace the entire alarm when its end-of-life signal activates.

Unsure what a sound means? If the alarm may be detecting carbon monoxide, get everyone outside and call 911.

Keep your alarms working

Use this checklist during your regular home-safety routine. Always follow the instructions for your specific alarm.