Carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced by poorly operating or venting fossil fuel (gas, wood, coal, etc.) home appliances. CO can be monitored by installing a CO alarm.

Alarms are designed to warn occupants of potentially life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide. CO detectors can provide an audio warning as well as a digital readout of the CO level.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing a CO alarm in the hallway outside of the bedrooms in each sleeping area of the home. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor may provide additional CO detection. It is not recommended to place alarms in the kitchen or near fuel-burning appliances. Read the manufacturer's label for installation recommendations. Install the alarm into a plug-in receptacle, or high on the wall. Avoid locations near heating vents, or areas that can be covered by furniture or curtains. CO alarms should have battery backup.

Remember, a carbon monoxide alarm is not a substitute for proper use, regular inspection, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances.

For more information check out the Preventing Carbon Monoxide eXtension webpage.

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