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DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
BASICS OF ESCAPE PLAN
o Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes from each
room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
o Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
o Determine a place outside your home where all of you can meet if a fire occurs.
o Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when
they hear the sound.
o Identify children's bedrooms with red stickers placed in the upper left corner of the windows. They
are available from your local fire department.
o Practice a fire drill at least every six months. Practice allows you to test your plan before an
emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do!
REPAIRS AND SERVICES
If the smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the smoke alarm. Return the alarm for
servicing. (See warranty for instructions or in-warranty returns.) There will be a service charge for
repairing out of warranty alarms.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient
conditions, such as:
• Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/
humid air with extended periods between cycles).
• Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans.
• Simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances competing for limited internal air.
• Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes dryers, furnaces or water heaters.
• Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify the above situations.
2. Extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (ranges, ovens, fireplaces).
3. Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. A car idling in an open or closed attached garage or near a home.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM CO POISONING?
This alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds a loud alarm before
carbon monoxide levels become threatening to the average, healthy adult.
An alarm is not a substitute for proper maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep them free of debris, leaves and nests for proper air flow.
Also, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, cracks or separations. These conditions
can prevent proper air movement and cause backdrafting. Never "cap" or cover a chimney in
any way that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equipment annually. Many local gas or oil companies and
HVAC companies offer appliance inspections for a nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances. Check appliances for excessive
rust and scaling. Also check the flame on the burner and pilot lights. The flame should be blue.
A yellow flame means fuel is not being burned completely and CO may be present. Keep the
blower door on the furnace closed. Use vents or fans when they are available on all fuel-burning
appliances. Make sure appliances are vented to the outside. Do not grill or barbecue indoors or
in garages or screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO sources. Check the draft hood on an operating furnace for
a backdraft. Look for cracks on furnace heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other side of a shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly. If you suspect that CO is escaping into your home, open
a window or a door. Opening windows and doors can significantly decrease CO levels.
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