What actions do I take if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.  If no one is feeling ill:

  • Silence the alarm
  • Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace)
  • Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows
  • Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup

If illness is a factor:

  • Evacuate all occupants immediately
  • Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms
  • Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill
  • Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative
  • Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO

Show All Answers

1. What kinds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are there?
2. What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
3. Where does carbon monoxide come from?
4. Who is at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?
5. What actions do I take if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?