Correct Placement and Replacement for CO Alarms Critical for Homeowners
VAUGHAN, ON, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - A representative of the country's largest carbon monoxide and smoke alarm manufacturing company says Ontario's new carbon monoxide law will save lives and bring into focus the importance of understanding where to install CO alarms, maintain and replace them.
Carol Heller, a home safety expert with Kidde Canada, says Ontario's new CO alarm law that makes it mandatory for every home in the province with fuel-burning appliances or heating system, an attached garage, or a wood or gas fireplace to have working CO alarms outside all sleeping areas should result in a reduction of installation errors.
"Statistics tell us that the majority of homeowners who install a single CO alarm, put it near or right in their furnace or utility room, thinking it needs to be close to their gas furnace," Heller says. "Deadly carbon monoxide gas mixes freely with air throughout the entire home and, people tend to be most vulnerable when they are asleep, so it's vital that CO alarms are installed near all sleeping areas."
For optimal protection fire prevention officials recommend installing one carbon monoxide alarm on each storey of the home.
Heller also warns that people who already have carbon monoxide alarms installed are not necessarily in the clear. "Not only is it important where an alarm is installed, the age of the alarm and whether or not it has been regularly tested and maintained are also critical safety factors."
The onus sits squarely on the homeowner to ensure their carbon monoxide alarms are properly maintained. Just like smoke alarms, all CO alarms have a test button that should be pressed monthly to confirm the alarm's circuitry is functioning as it should. Batteries should be replaced at least once annually, and for hardwired or plug-in models, that includes batteries that act as backup in case of a power outage.
The latest generation of Kidde alarms come with tamper-proof sealed lithium batteries that last a full 10 years from installation, never needing to be replaced for the full life of the alarm.
Heller adds, "The official announcement of this law is a perfect time for homeowners to install the protection they need. Don't wait until the end of the compliance period. Also check the age of existing CO alarms, and replace any devices built before 2008. Every carbon monoxide alarm needs to be replaced every 7-10 years depending on the brand."
Image with caption: "Kidde Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide alarm with digital display is the latest generation of Kidde alarms which come with tamper-proof sealed lithium batteries that last a full 10 years from installation, never needing to be replaced for the full life of the alarm. (CNW Group/Kidde Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141014_C2603_PHOTO_EN_6661.jpg
SOURCE: Kidde Canada
Gary Holloway 905.690.4607
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