Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Toxic Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Alarm

There are a lot of things in life that don't really hit us until it is too late. As a property manager in the past for a good number of commercial establishments, I work hard to make things safe, secure and running smoothly. I'm very particular about fire safety and fire protection equipment - as a commercial fire is in my opinion, the single most destructive preventable disaster. But I realized at one point, that feeling the heat or smelling something funny cooking may already be too late when it comes to this. This is where the nifty modern gadget known as the carbon monoxide alarm comes into play.

First off, let me point out that carbon monoxide is one of the most harmful but frequently occuring substances in extremely minute amounts in our breathing air. It is very, very toxic. Luckily enough, carbon monoxide amounts in our breathing air isn't usually at toxic levels. In nature, carbon monoxide is usually produced via volcanic activity or through huge forest or brushfires. However, there are many instances wherein this gas can be at toxic levels even in our modern situations. Car engines can cause it and so can your stove. What's more, it is odorless, tastless and virtually undetectable by our human senses until it may be too late. This is why visible, hot fires isn't the only thing I seek to prevent via fire protection equipment, I also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm.

The the carbon monoxide (C0) alarm is usually very easy to install, affordable and can have a good number of additional features such as combining with a smoke alarm. It gives off a very loud and distinct noise alarming anyone and everyone in the area that C0 levels are at the limit and people must vacate that particular area. Personally, I use it not only in the establishments I handle but also in my own home. Carbon monoxide can come from a number of locations in our home actually - from the car's engine, from the fire place, from the stove and perhaps a good number of other places I may not be aware of.

I even go as far as carry a plug in version of the carbon monoxide alarm when travelling - especially when I go to strange places with my family. As a property manager I get paid to be obssesive-compulsive about the safety and pretty much everything else with making things run smoothly in my own turf - and boy I have yet to see common establishments that will meet my expectations and therefore, my peace of mind when staying there! If I did see them, then perhaps I wouldn't be writing this now.

The C0 alarm like any other fire protection equipment, should be installed and used in conjunction with many others. This in particular, is a special preventive measure because unlike fire that someone can see and respond to, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It causes dizziness and severe nausea in just small amounts of 1 out of 10,000 gas particles in the air and can be produced by a good number of common stuff. I highly recommend inquiring with your local fire station or fire safety dealer.