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1. What kinds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are there?

There are two kinds of smoke alarms - ionization and photoelectric. The ionization smoke detectors activate quicker for fast, flaming fires and the photoelectric type is quicker for slow, smoldering fires. Either one will provide you enough time to get out, but having a mix of the two types is a good idea. Models with both sensors are better than single sensor units, but of course they cost more.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are powered either by household alternating current (ac), a battery, or ac with a battery that keeps it operating during power outages. The battery type is easy to install in existing homes but the battery must be changed annually. The Connecticut General Statutes for new homes require ac powered alarms with battery backup. For greater safety, older ac only smoke alarms should be replaced with ac/battery alarm, and any smoke alarm older than 10 years should be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are recommended when a home uses gas or oil, or has a fireplace. CO alarms are also powered by either an ac, a battery, or ac with a battery. Most CO comes from equipment that will not be working during a power outage so plug-in units are good. But if you might heat your home with a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater when the power is out, you may want to use a battery-powered alarm. 

The sensor element in some CO alarms must be replaced regularly. Consider the cost of the replacement element in making your selection.

2. What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes; CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include: 

• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea

The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

3. Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come from several sources: 

• Charcoal grills
• Gas-fired appliances
• Motor vehicles
• Wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces

4. Who is at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that the following are at an even greater risk for CO poisoning:

• Children
• Infants
• People with Heart or Lung Problems
• Senior Citizens
• Unborn Babies

5. What actions do I take if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.  If no one is feeling ill:

• Silence the alarm
• Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace)
• Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows
• Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup

If illness is a factor:

• Evacuate all occupants immediately
• Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms
• Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill
• Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative
• Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO