The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to take a moment to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks as daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 14th.
“When you move your clocks ahead one hour, please take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “This is also a great opportunity to dust the units and perform a simple test of each device.”
The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.
The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions:
* Install a smoke detector on every level of the home
* Ensure smoke detectors are clean and free of dust
* Dial 911 in case of any emergency
The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department’s Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and needy residents; they will also install those detectors. To receive details on this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.
Labels: batteries, carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, detectors, fire department, forsyth county, georgia, smoke
The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks as daylight-saving time ended on Sunday, November 1.
In addition to replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months, the Forsyth County Fire Department also recommends testing the detectors at least once a month. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.
The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department's Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need; they will also install those detectors. To receive details about this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.
Labels: batteries, carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, detectors, fire department, forsyth county, smoke detectors
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector installed. They are easy to install and can save the lives of your family members. But, before you buy a carbon monoxide detector, there are a few things you should know.
What is Carbon Monoxide?Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common by-product produced when fossil fuels are burned. Although most household equipment and appliances produce minimal carbon monoxide when they are installed and operate properly, they can be deadly when they are not. Something as simple as an opened door to the garage, a small hole in dryer ductwork, or a malfunctioning exhaust fan can cause carbon monoxide levels to quickly rise to dangerous levels.
Why You Need A Carbon Monoxide DetectorThere are many ways in which carbon monoxide can be released into your home and cause respiratory damage to your lungs, or worse, death. The following is a list of items that may cause CO to enter your home:
- Fireplaces
- Heaters
- Hot Water Heaters
- Gas Stoves / Ovens
- Automobiles (Attached garages)
- Grills; propane, gas or charcoal
- Kerosene Heaters
- Dryers with clogged ductwork
- Nearby traffic
Types of Carbon Monoxide DetectorsMetal Oxide Semi-Conductor (MOS) Carbon Monoxide Detectors use heated tin oxide. When CO is present, the heated tin oxide reacts with it and an alarm will sound.
Biomimetic Carbon Monoxide Detectors use a gel-coated disc. When CO is present, the gel-coated disc darkens, causing an alarm to sound.
Electrochemical Carbon Monoxide Detectors use a chemical reaction with CO to create an electrical current, which sounds the alarm.
Buying A Carbon Monoxide DetectorAlthough all tested and approved carbon monoxide detectors are sufficient for detecting carbon monoxide, there are some key elements you should look for when buying one. Some carbon monoxide detectors are more sensitive to CO than others, meaning they will detect lower levels of CO than other, less sensitive carbon monoxide detectors.
What to Look For When Buying A Carbon Monoxide DetectorChoose a carbon monoxide detector that has been tested and approved. If you want a carbon monoxide detector that monitors low levels of CO, look for one that has a memory. If you are not diligent about checking and replacing batteries, a battery operated carbon monoxide detector is not right for you. Although they allow for more flexible placement, a plug-in carbon monoxide detector may be best.
After Buying A Carbon Monoxide Detector- Never plug a CO detector into an outlet that is controlled by a switch.
- Test your CO detector once a week by pushing the device's button.
- Replace your CO detector every 5 years, unless the manufacturer recommends sooner.
- If the alarm sounds, evacuate your home and call 911 for assistance. Leave it to the professionals to determine the source of the CO.
Labels: carbon monoxide, detectors, home safety
