Carbon Monoxide Detector Tips

Published Dec. 8, 2016
By staff reports
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Your Carbon Monoxide detector is sounding…do you know what to do?

When your Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, detector activates take the following lifesaving steps.
- Upon activation of the alarm, call 911 as this is an emergency.
- Leave your residence immediately and remain outside until firefighters determine it is safe.

To lower the risk from CO avoid using generators, kerosene heaters or other fuel-burning appliances in your home. Don’t allow your vehicle to idle while in the garage, instead pull your vehicle out onto the driveway or street. Inspect your furnace, stoves and water heaters and fireplaces annually. And just as importantly, replace your furnace’s air filter monthly.

CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that kills over 400 people annually in the United States. CO is produced through combustion by household appliances and devices using natural gas, propane, heating fuel and similar fossil fuels.

All base housing units are equipped with a CO detector that when properly maintained, provide lifesaving notification of elevated CO levels. In order to ensure that your detector is working you should test the detector monthly in the same manner as your smoke detectors. Refer to the owner’s manual for your particular model. If you live on base call Balfour Beatty for guidance.

If you would like further information on carbon monoxide detectors call the Fire Prevention office at (208) 828-4597.