Station 1
160 Hawley Street
Grayslake, IL
60030
Tel (847) 223-8960
Fax (847) 223-8964
Station 2
1200 Brae Loch Rd.
Grayslake, IL
60030
Tel (847) 986-3020
Fax (847) 986-3022
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Carbon
Monoxide & Detectors
FYI...Do
you have a CO detector located near your sump pump? The batteries from a
battery back-up system emits sulfur dioxide which a carbon monoxide
detector believes is CO. If your detector is sounding near these units,
move the detector at least 10 feet away from the battery back-up to
avoid false alarms. You should also check the water level in your sump
pump back up battery.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. Because one
cannot smell, see, or taste it, carbon monoxide can kill you before
you know it is there.
Where does carbon monoxide occur?
Carbon
monoxide is a byproduct of a fuel burning process. Carbon monoxide can
be emitted by gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, wood
stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, space heaters. Improper venting or a
clogged chimney can also cause problems.
Fall and winter months also see many residents warming their cars
prior to driving. Often times this is done in the garage or
immediately outside the garage with the garage door open. Both these
are dangerous practices and can put dangerous even lethal amounts of
carbon monoxide inside a home in a matter of minutes.
Who is at risk?
Everyone! CO
effects individuals differently depending on their size and medical
history. There, families with young children or members with medical
conditions should take extra precautions in the event that CO is
detected.
Where do I place my carbon monoxide detector and
what kind do I look for?
Place a carbon
monoxide detector near the sleeping area. A second detector should be
located near the heating appliance. When purchasing a carbon monoxide
detector look for the UL seal. Different types give a visual number
that lets you know the exact level of CO in your home. At least one CO
detector should be battery powered.
What are the acceptable levels?
Less than 10
PPM: Acceptable limit.
10 or more
PPM: Potentially deadly level of CO. Leave the building
immediately.
Call 911
What do I do when my CO detector goes into
alarm?
Call 911 or
your local fire department.
Should I open my windows if my detector alarms?
No, if your
detector alarms it is indicating an unsafe atmosphere and wasting time
opening windows could be a deadly decision. Get out, call 911 and
crews will respond with very sensitive equipment that can trace the
source.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
CO poisoning
symptoms can mimic the flu. Headaches or feeling better when you leave
your home are also possible symptoms.
I heard CO detectors have many false alarms?
When CO
detectors were first introduced they were adequate but easily alarmed
in constant low level areas. In fact in December of 1994, when
detectors were still new, the Chicago Fire Department responded to
1,851 false carbon monoxide alarms in a 24 hour period. This was due
to a thermal inversion where cold air was trapped under a layer of hot
air not allowing pollutants like automobile exhaust, to escape into
the atmosphere. After this happened makers of the new detectors took
notice and worked to make even better detectors. Today's detectors
have very good systems and some even have digital displays which are
very accurate.
How long are CO
detectors good for?
The lifespan of carbon monoxide
detectors varies from 3 years up to 10 years, depending on the brand
and model, at which time sensors begin to lose their sensitivity to
detect carbon monoxide. It is recommended that you refer to the
owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the lifespan
of your particular carbon monoxide detector. Once the detector has
reached the end of its normal lifespan, it should be replaced
immediately. It may save your life! When choosing a carbon monoxide
detector, make sure you get one with a battery backup for protection
during a power outage. It is also recommended that you get one with a
digital readout which displays
the concentration of carbon monoxide.
What detectors do
we recommend?
Many independent agencies have
tested and compiled lists of all different makes and models of carbon
monoxide detectors. Check to find the best performers and make sure
the testing agency is also a qualified, reputable, and non-biased
facility.These lists can easily be found on the internet by doing a
simple search.
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