FREDERICK/FIRESTONE -- Combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have increased in residential homes in the last couple of years as a way for builders and homeowners to save money. These efficient alarms work great in common areas of the home, but do you know how to determine whether it is the smoke or CO alarm going off?
There is currently no requirement for a voice announcement when the alarms activate, which is why it is critical for the occupants to know the difference in sounds the alarms make.
The smoke alarms are equipped with a requirement to "beep" three times with a short pause between each beep and then a slightly longer pause before the next three beeps.
A CO alarm is equipped with a requirement to "beep" four times with a short pause between each beep and then a slightly longer pause before the next four beeps. The International Residential Code requires new homes to have CO alarms if they have an attached garage, a fireplace or any fuel-burning appliances such as a gas clothes dryer, gas water heater, oil furnace, etc. In most cases, hard-wired battery-backup smoke alarms are installed in the bedrooms, but combination smoke/CO alarms are installed in the common areas.
Currently, there a number of different battery powered smoke/CO alarms available in retail stores. Remember to test your smoke alarms on a regular basis, at least monthly. Also, vacuum the dust off smoke alarms every six months and change the batteries at that time too.
Have a home fire escape plan for the entire family and review and practice it regularly.
For further information contact the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District, 303-833-2742 or visit us at fffd.us.