How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Reduce your risk of CO exposure from day one with Arlo.
Reduce your risk of CO exposure from day one with Arlo.
In the United States, more than 100,000 people visit the emergency department each year due to accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for you and your family. From knowing how CO poisoning happens to having the best safeguards in place, learn all about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is often called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Unlike natural gas, CO is often created when fuel is burned in low levels of oxygen.
Vehicles, machines, and appliances that burn any type of fuel (gasoline, natural gas, propane, wood, oil, charcoal) can produce carbon monoxide in or near your house if they’re used improperly, not maintained, or poorly ventilated. Watch for these CO creators at home:
From choosing the right security system to knowing where to install CO detectors, let’s explore several ways to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you don’t already have one, install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home. When you change the time on your clocks each spring or fall, set a reminder to also replace or change the battery. If the detector sounds for any reason, leave your home immediately and call 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide (CO poisoning) or feel a headache, dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness, immediately leave the premises, call the fire department, and seek medical help.
Where should you place carbon monoxide detectors in your home? The CDC recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector near every sleeping area. Here’s a quick list of all the best places to install your CO detectors:
As for how to install a CO detector, it can often be as simple as attaching the device to a wall or ceiling with the included mounting hardware.
Always have your heating system, water heater, or any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. Never use charcoal- or gasoline-burning devices in enclosed spaces where there is minimal ventilation or fresh air. Avoid using a charcoal grill, camp stove, or generator inside your home. (That includes the basement, garage, or even near a window.)
Plus, experts recommend you avoid using a portable generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline powered engine less than 20 feet from any door, vent, or window. To keep the generator at a safe distance, try using a 20-foot or longer extension cord.
Get even more protection when you activate Smoke and CO Alarm Detection with an Arlo Secure subscription. The Alarm Detection feature recognizes CO detectors with industry-standard T4 alarms, which emit four intermittent beeps followed by a period of silence. If a T4 CO alarm goes off, your activated Arlo device sends an alert directly to your phone via the Arlo Secure App. This means that whether you’re away from home or not able to hear your CO alarm for any reason, Arlo has you covered.
Be sure to place your Arlo Camera two feet or less from your CO detector in order to test if it’s compatible with camera. For maximum coverage and protection, enable Smoke and CO Alarm Detection on more than one camera.
Bolster your CO protection by adding a comprehensive home security system that can instantly notify you of any issue remotely. When you use Arlo’s Home Security System along with an Arlo Secure subscription, you can receive an instant notification when a carbon monoxide alarm is set off. Plus, count on emergency help when any smoke alarm is triggered. Arlo Secure’s 24/7 Professional Monitoring provides Safety Agents to monitor your home, so you don’t have to.
