Carbon Monoxide Information

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced when any fossil fuel, such as; propane, natural gas, coal, oil, or gasoline is burned, and a buildup is caused by insufficient oxygen supplies. Over-exposure to CO can cause CO poisoning, which can lead to serious illness, and even death.

Effective January 1, 2007, CO detectors are required to be installed within 15 feet of all sleeping rooms of all dwelling units. This may require multiple detectors for your home or apartment. This applies to single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, apartments, hotels, and motels.

Types

There are various types of detectors that can be used: battery-powered, plug-in with battery backup, and direct-wired in the building's electric system with battery backup. There are some combination smoke detectors that may be used. Please consult the product literature or manufacturer for compatibility with existing detectors.

Installation

The homeowner is responsible for the installation of the detector. If you occupy a rental unit, the installation is the landlord's responsibility. The State of Illinois Public Act 094-0741 requires the detector be in place by January 1, 2007. There are penalties in the act for noncompliance. A copy of the act is available on the Illinois General Assembly website.

Placement

Place detectors nearest to bedrooms as much as possible since you are most vulnerable to CO poisoning while sleeping. If your bedrooms are in different parts of the house, place separate detectors near each bedroom area.

If you live in an apartment building with forced air heat, make sure there's a detector in the boiler room as well as near the bedrooms. Do not place one near your kitchen, garage, or in a room with a furnace.

React

It usually takes several hours or more for CO to increase to dangerous levels. If your CO detector goes off with illness, get out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1 from another location. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will dispatch the fire department ambulance.

If your CO detector goes off and there is no illness, press the reset button to verify the presence of CO. If the alarm goes off again after five minutes, open your windows to allow fresh air into your home leave the house, and call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will dispatch the fire department to check for a CO leak in your home.


Carbon Monoxide Tips

Preventive maintenance

  • Have your furnace, venting system, and chimney inspected each year by a qualified contractor.
  • Periodically check your furnace and water heater vent pipes for rust, corrosion, or damage. Replace pipes if necessary.

Avoid enclosed combustion

  • Don't use your gas range to heat your home.
  • Never burn charcoal in your home, garage, work shed, or recreational vehicle, or in any enclosed area.
  • Be sure your chimney flue is open each time you use your fireplace.
  • Never run a car engine, lawn mower, snow blower, or other combustion engine in a closed area like your garage or basement.
  • When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or range inside your tent or RV without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Symptoms

  • Flu-like symptoms, including; headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, and heartbeat.
  • Victims may appear pale, but then develop a cherry red color on lips and ear tips.
  • Be suspicious if everyone in your household is experiencing the same symptoms-especially animals because they can't get the flu.

First aid

  • Get fresh air immediately!
  • Go to a neighbor's house and call 9-1-1 immediately, even if the victim appears to be recovering.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Features

  • An audible alarm that stops automatically within minutes when gas dissipates
  • Approval certification with the UL 2023 or American Gas Association
  • A power light indicating power is on
  • A digital display or warning light that signals low levels of CO
  • A manufacturer's warranty that indicates the life of the detector
  • A test button to verify the detector is working
  • A manual hush / reset button to silence the alarm, but the sensor remains active so the unit continues taking readings
  • An intermittent alarm to indicate a low battery or a problem with the circuitry
  • Plug-in models with a 6-foot power cord

Please contact the Fire Department at 630-833-5350 with any questions.