Community Corner

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

With a new law taking effect July 1, make sure your home is ready.

With July 1 comes a new law requiring all single family homes be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. 

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It can enter a home through gas stoves, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and car exhaust fumes.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, drowsiness and even heart and lung failure and death. Detecting CO is crucial to preventing poisoning.

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In advance of this new law, the City of Burlingame offered some tips on its website for choosing the right detector for your home.

Tips For Choosing a Carbon Monoxide Detector:

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  • CO detectors should be placed on every floor of a home and outside every bedroom. They should not be placed in garages, kitchens, humid rooms or close to fuel-burning appliances.
  • All alarms should be interconnected for best protection. If one goes off, they all go off.
  • CO alarms and smoke alarms can be interconnected if they meet State Fire Marshall requirements.
  • Make sure to follow all manufacturer's instructions for placement, mounting and maintenance.
  • If your CO detector goes off, immediately move to fresh air and call 9-1-1.
  • Purchase a State Fire Marshall approved product only. 
  • Perform monthly tests, replace the batteries when necessary and replace the entire alarm if needed. 


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