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Battery Check: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

By: Marybeth | October 30, 2007 | Category: Home and Family

As cooler temperatures approach and we begin using heaters, fireplaces, and candles, it’s a good time to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. The standard recommendation is to check them when the time changes. Since we’re “falling back” on Sunday, November 4, the time is now.

The batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced at least once a year. If you don’t have smoke alarms, get them today! Battery-operated detectors are inexpensive and easy to set up. If you have trouble installing and cannot get assistance from a relative or friend, call the non-emergency number for your local fire department.

Households should also have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and extremely toxic. Sources of CO include gas-fired appliances (e.g., stove, furnace, clothes dryer), grills, and motor vehicles. CO detectors should be used in combination with the proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances.

I’ve had false alarms with both types of units. Anyone with a smoke detector near the kitchen has probably done their share of frantic towel-waving. While this presents a good opportunity to burn a few calories before a meal, I try to avoid such workouts by using the kitchen exhaust fan.

I’ve only had one false alarm with my CO detector. I don’t know what caused it to sound (household cleaners can apparently be a trigger), but I do know that it wasn’t due to CO (the fire department checked my home and gave me the all-clear).

In the grand scheme, the nuisances presented by these potentially life-saving devices are negligible.