Carbon monoxide detectors save lives, experts say


4 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — Experts recommend homeowners change batteries in smoke detectors twice a year. But many neglect to install and maintain their carbon monoxide detectors.

At the first biting chill in the air, firefighters know they'll get hundreds of calls for carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. If you don't have a detector, you don't know until (it's) almost too late to get out of your home," said Tyler Rowser, North Summit Fire District.

Here are a few facts about carbon monoxide:

  • It's colorless, tasteless, AND odorless
  • Only a detector can detect the gas
  • Symptoms include lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, fatigue and flu-like symptoms
  • Exposure to the gas can eventually lead to death

Families can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by first getting a carbon monoxide detector and changing the batteries every time you check the batteries in smoke detectors.

"(Put) at least one on every level of your home. Even an unfinished basement should have one, along with a smoke detector in there," Rowser said.

Experts also recommend having a professional check your furnace and anything else that runs on natural gas like fire places and space heaters. Also be aware of exhaust from cars in attached garages.

Carbon monoxide detectors have a less than five-year lifespan, and they can be found at most home improvement stores.

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah
Nkoyo Iyamba

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast