City of East Grand Forks, MN

12/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/10/2024 11:13

East Grand Forks Fire Department Reminds Residents of the Importance of Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The Fire Department would like to remind residents the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms. Minnesota homes are required by law to have CO alarms that need to be tested monthly and replaced according to manufacturer's recommendations.

What is carbon monoxide?
CO is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas formed in the process of fossil fuel combustion. CO is produced when any material burns, but more is produced when there isn't enough oxygen for efficient burning.

Common sources of CO in homes include any number of common fuel-burning devices:

  • Furnaces
  • Propane or kerosene space heaters
  • Boilers
  • Gas stoves
  • Water heaters
  • Gas dryers
  • Fireplaces
  • Charcoal grills
  • Wood stoves
  • Power generators
  • Motor vehicles

What you need to know:

  • Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room or inside each sleeping room.
  • Test CO alarms monthly.
  • If a CO alarm sounds and you feel ill, call 911 immediately. If you feel fine, open windows and doors and your utility company.
  • Clear snow and debris from furnace, dryer, fireplace or oven vents around your home to prevent a CO buildup.

How does CO affect me?

For most people, the first signs of exposure to low concentrations of CO include mild headache, and breathlessness during moderate exercise. Continued exposure can lead to flu-like symptoms, including severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea that may progress to confusion, irritability, impaired judgment, memory and coordination issues.

CO is called the "silent killer" because if the early signs are ignored, a person may lose consciousness and be unable to escape the danger. Lethal concentrations of CO have occurred within 10 minutes in a closed garage where a car was left idling.

What do I do when the alarm sounds?
Treat all activations as real. Evacuate everyone from your home immediately, leaving the door open for ventilation on your way out.

Call 911 from a neighbor's home.

Contact the East Grand Forks Fire Dept. at 218-773-2403 for more information about CO alarms