In many countries, including Canada, having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house is the law. The reason is simple: these alarms save lives.
Danger of smoke
Many house fires occur at night. If there is no smoke detector, those sleeping in the house may not notice the fire and will be overwhelmed by smoke. A working smoke detector can wake the family before it is too late.
Danger of carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odorless gas. It is produced by burning fuels such as gas, wood, oil and coal. Most homes have an appliance that runs on one of these fuels. If the appliance is not vented properly or is not working properly, the house can fill with carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is also a product of second-hand smoke from cigarettes.
At first, carbon monoxide poisoning gives symptoms similar to those of the flu: fatigue, headaches, chest pain, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath. After a few minutes, carbon monoxide can cause you to black out, resulting in serious, permanent damage to the body. Eventually, carbon monoxide inhalation leads to death. A working carbon monoxide detector can alert you and your family to this danger.
Keep your home free of carbon monoxide by avoiding smoking indoors, keeping the door between your house and garage closed, and not running your vehicles, gas-powered tools, or portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a closed space such as a garage.
Choosing a detector
Before buying a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, make sure your country’s safety stamp of approval is on the box. In Canada, the box should read CSA, cUL, ULC or cETL. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are usually sold separately, but detectors that serve both purposes are also available.
Some alarms are hard wired, some are battery operated and some are plug in with a back-up battery.
Types of smoke detectors
- An ionization type smoke detector is better at detecting fast, flaming fires. These fires make up nearly three-quarters of home fires.
- A photoelectric type smoke detector is better at detecting slow-burning smouldering fires that produce lots of smoke but little flame.
Some smoke alarms use both types of detection.
Types of carbon monoxide detectors
Currently, there is only one general type of carbon monoxide detector.
Installing an alarm
Ideally, smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom and sleeping area, in the hallways outside each bedroom, and on each level of your home, including the basement. They should be installed high on the wall and away from bathrooms, the kitchen, heating equipment and ceiling fans. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in hallways, outside of sleeping areas and near furnace rooms. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions when you install your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
Maintenance
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need some maintenance and will eventually need to be replaced.
Test your alarm
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a test button. You should push it once a month. If the unit does not signal an alarm, you will need to replace the battery and test again.
Replace the battery
Replace the battery every six months or as directed by the manufacturer. A good way to remember this is to put in a fresh battery when clocks are changed in March and October. If you hear a warning beep, change the battery right away.
Cleaning
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors become less effective if they are clogged with dust. Follow the manufacturer's directions for cleaning your unit.
Replace the alarm
Smoke alarms will not last indefinitely. A general rule is that the unit will have to be replaced every 10 years. Write down the date you installed the alarm on the inside of the detector, so you know when to replace it. If the alarm is no longer working, replace it right away.
Sources of danger around the house
It can be difficult to know if all your fossil fuel-burning appliances, such as the furnace, stove and water heater, are working properly. These appliances should be professionally inspected at least once a year. Chimneys and vent pipes should also be regularly inspected and cleaned out to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and reduce the risk of fires. When checking your appliances, look for leaks, cracks, blocked vents, and poor connections/breaks in vents or gas lines.
You should also inspect exhaust vents outside your home during the winter, to ensure they are not blocked with ice or snow.
During emergencies
One of the most dangerous times for house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning is during power outages. When the heat and/or lights go out, people can sometimes use non-traditional methods to heat the house. They may burn things in a fireplace that has not been used or maintained in years. They may light camping stoves and lanterns or they may bring the barbeque inside to heat the house. Some may use a generator to provide power. These are all very dangerous things to do. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up in the house. These items are also a major fire risk.
When the detector's alarm sounds
Your family should develop an escape plan in case of fire or carbon monoxide build-up. Practise following the plan and make sure the whole family, including children, understand what to do if the alarm sounds. The escape plan should include an arranged meeting point outside the home. Once outside, call 911 to report the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm and only return home after you are cleared to do so by a professional.
More information
For more information, please read our pages on Burns: Household safety and prevention and Burns: Winter safety.