Kidde KN-COB-DP-H) Part Four - What to do When the Alarm Sounds, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure

Part Four – What to do When the Alarm Sounds

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Procedure

WARNING: Actuation of the CO Alarm indicates the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which can kill you.

If alarm signal sounds 4 quick beeps, 5 seconds off:

1)Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an open door or window. Check that all persons are accounted for. Do not re-enter the premises or move away from the open door/window until emergency services responders have arrived, the premises have been aired out, and your alarm remains in its normal operating condition.

2)Call your emergency local service (fire deptartment or 911).

PHONE NUMBER

Never restart the source of a CO problem until it has been corrected. Never ignore the sound of the alarm!

Part Four – What to do When the Alarm Sounds

Treatment for CO Poisoning

Any person who is suspected to have carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the potentially dangerous environment, get fresh air immediately and seek care from a physician. CO poisoning can be determined by a simple blood test, called a “carboxyhemoglobin” test. This test measures the amount of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream. For this test to be accurate, it must be done immedi- ately after CO exposure. Acute CO poisoning is usually treated by breathing in oxygen. When CO poisoning is severe, (for example, when there is an altered state of consciousness), high pressure oxygen therapy in a special “hyperbaric chamber” may be used. A physician will make this determination and administer treatment if necessary.

Calling a Qualified Technician to Find and Repair the Problem

If you call a qualified service technician (such as a licensed heating contractor, utility service technician, chimney sweep or fuel provider) to inspect your home for possible sources of CO, you will want to tell them which appliances (if any) were operating before the alarm sounded. Do not restart these appliances until the problem is cor- rected. Request service for as soon as possible, like TODAY.

Please be aware that some service technicians may charge a fee to inspect your home, even if the source of CO is not found. You may wish to find out if you will be charged for the service and the amount of the fee before you request service. Some public utilities do not charge for inspection. Some service technicians do not charge if you purchased your appliance from them. To know for sure, you need to ask before the technician comes to your home. Repair work or replacement of appliances may be necessary to fix the problem that is creating the CO in your home. Remember, a CO alarm can only warn you of the presence of CO, it does not prevent CO from occurring, nor can it solve an existing CO problem.

Because you’ve provided ventilation by leaving your windows and doors open, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds. Although your problem may appear to be temporarily solved, it’s crucial that the source of the CO is determined and appropriate repairs are made.

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