Your CO Detector May Not Be Working the Way You Think

Your CO Detector May Not Be Working the Way You Think

Silent but Deadly: How to Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Most dangers give you a warning sign: the smell of smoke, the sound of wind before a storm, the sight of floodwaters rising. Carbon monoxide (CO) is different. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless. You can’t see it coming, and by the time you feel the effects, it may already be too late.

At Ready & Prepped, we believe in planning ahead for emergencies you can’t see—and carbon monoxide is one of the most preventable household dangers, if you know how to protect yourself.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Where Does It Come From?

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas created whenever you burn fuel. Common household sources include:

  • Gas furnaces, stoves, and ovens
  • Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
  • Portable generators
  • Grills (charcoal or gas)
  • Vehicles running in a garage
  • Space heaters that burn fuel

When these appliances are improperly ventilated—or used in enclosed spaces—CO can build up quickly.


Why Is It So Dangerous?

CO binds to your red blood cells much more effectively than oxygen does.

This means even small amounts can block oxygen from reaching vital organs, leading to:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Nausea and confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Brain damage
  • Death

CO is called the “silent killer” because most victims never realize they’re being poisoned until they collapse.



Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Early symptoms often feel like the flu or food poisoning:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly

If multiple people in the home experience these symptoms at the same time—especially in winter—get outside immediately.

 

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family? What Can I Do?

Prevention is your first line of defense. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family:

1. Install CO Detectors

Place at least one on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. At the very least, put one in each bedroom.

Not all CO detectors are created equal. The CO detectors that come in combination with your smoke detectors, or any other detector that is not digital, only alerts you to extremely high levels (70-150 ppm) of CO. If that alarm goes off, you only have 10 minutes to get out of the house or you will die. A person can experience adverse effects of CO poisoning starting at 25 ppm, so if you’re relying solely on the alarm, then you may not even know that your family is being poisoned. 

Our recommendation: 

  • Buy a digital CO detector so that you can see the amount of CO ppm in your home. 
  • Find CO detectors that you can plug into any outlet in your house. This is recommended since most outlets are closer to the ground. CO gases are heavy and that’s where they would settle first. 
  • Get a detector that will notify you when it needs to be replaced. Oftentimes the battery will indicate that it is still on and working, but the sensor has gone bad. So get a monitor that will tell you when it’s reached its limit and you need to replace it. This is often called an end of life (EOL) alert.
  • Here is a link to a CO detector on Amazon that meets our recommendations.

2. Maintain Appliances

  • Have furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected yearly. If anyone in your home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, don't wait. Have your appliances and your ventilation of each appliance professionally checked out immediately.
  • Never use gas stoves or ovens for heat.

3. Use Generators Safely

  • Always operate outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.

4. Ventilate

  • Don’t run vehicles or fuel-burning tools in enclosed garages, even with the door open.

 

What To Do If a CO Alarm Goes Off

1. Leave the house immediately and move to fresh air.

2. Call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s home.

3. Do not re-enter until firefighters or emergency personnel confirm it’s safe.

 

Preparedness Saves Lives

In many emergencies, you have time to react. With carbon monoxide, your only real protection is planning ahead:

  • Detectors
  • Maintenance
  • Safe habits

Take 15 minutes this week to get plug in digital detectors and talk to your family about what to do if an alarm goes off.

Being prepared could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

 

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Please see your physician for all medical advise.

 

Check out this article to learn the truth about radon. 

 

Ready & Prepped: No fuss, no fluff, no fear.

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