Carbon monoxide – what you need to know for home safety

Your home should have two types of safety detectors: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. You probably learned about smoke detectors in school, but fewer people know about carbon monoxide detectors, how they work and why they’re important. We’ll share more about this essential home tool and what you need to know as a public housing resident. 

What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is a naturally occurring, poisonous gas. What makes it so dangerous is that it is nearly colorless, odorless and essentially undetectable by human senses alone. That means that carbon monoxide in your home could make you sick or even kill you without you knowing something was wrong. 

How can I prevent carbon monoxide leaks?

Carbon monoxide is most often produced when we burn fuel like natural gas or charcoal. That means that some common things in your home, like a gas stove or oven, could produce carbon monoxide if they’re not working properly or are used incorrectly. The Mayo Clinic has a list of recommendations, but some of the essential ones are: 

• Only use gas appliances as intended. For example, only use a gas stove to cook, do not use it for heat or warmth. 
• If you have a garage, open the garage door before starting any cars or vehicles. 
• Never use a grill, generator or outdoor heater in your house. If you use one of these outside, place it away from the house and any windows.
• If you have a fireplace, your landlord should have it checked regularly to make sure the chimney is clean and working well. 

Even if you are following safety guidelines, it’s still possible for carbon monoxide to enter your home. Like we mentioned before, it’s especially dangerous because it isn’t detectable by people. A carbon monoxide detector can give you peace of mind.  

Do I have a carbon monoxide detector?

If you enrolled in a public housing program in the last year, your home has to have a carbon monoxide detector to pass the Housing Quality Standards inspection. If not, take some time to walk around your home and look for one. They look very similar to a smoke alarm. If you can’t tell whether you have one or not, you should contact your landlord to talk with them about getting one soon. 

Even if you have one that your landlord provides, you may want a second device for a child’s room, your kitchen or another space. You can buy one for less than $30 on Amazon or at a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Some of them have unique benefits like air quality readings, battery status updates and temperature gauges. Just like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors should be tested monthly and have batteries changed on a regular basis. 

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning requires knowledge, safe practices and detection equipment. But with all of this information in your back pocket, you are taking important steps to protect everyone in your home.