What is what to do when your carbon monoxide detector goes off?

If Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Goes Off:

1. Safety First: Evacuate Immediately: Do not try to find the source of the CO. Get everyone out of the building immediately. Leave doors and windows open, if possible, but only if you can do so quickly and safely. Head to a fresh air location outside. This is the most important step.

2. Call Emergency Services: Once you are safely outside, call your local emergency services (like 911 in the US) or your fire department. Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency personnel. They will have the equipment to detect and measure CO levels safely. See the information about Calling%20Emergency%20Services for more information.

3. Do Not Ignore the Alarm: Even if you feel fine, a CO alarm indicates a potentially dangerous situation. CO is odorless, colorless, and can be deadly.

4. Seek Medical Attention: If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, blurred vision, loss of consciousness), seek immediate medical attention. Tell medical personnel that you suspect CO poisoning.

5. Do Not Re-enter Until Cleared: Emergency responders will use specialized equipment to determine if the building is safe to re-enter. Do not go back inside until they have given you the all-clear. The subject about Re-entering%20Building covers this information.

6. Identify the Source: Once the building is safe, try to determine the source of the CO. Common sources include:

   • Furnaces
   • Water heaters
   • Gas stoves
   • Fireplaces (gas or wood-burning)
   • Generators
   • Cars running in an attached garage

7. Get Appliances Inspected: Have a qualified technician inspect all fuel-burning appliances to ensure they are functioning correctly and are properly ventilated. Do not use any appliance that you suspect may be the source of the CO until it has been inspected and repaired. See Appliance%20Inspection information.

8. Consider the Detector's Age: CO detectors have a limited lifespan (typically 5-7 years). Check the manufacture date on your detector and replace it if it's nearing the end of its life. Replacing your Carbon%20Monoxide%20Detector is a vital step.

9. Know the Symptoms: Understanding the Symptoms%20of%20Carbon%20Monoxide%20Poisoning is vital to your health.