Replace Aging Carbon Monoxide Alarms; They Don’t Last Forever

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms have been required in nearly every residence since March of 2006. The life expectancy of these alarms is 5-7 years, depending on the alarm manufacturer. Many CO alarms installed after the state’s CO law was passed are now reaching the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. No home appliance lasts forever. The life of a CO alarm begins when it is first powered up. Most CO alarms have a date of manufacture stamped on them, which can be used as a guide if the activation date was not recorded. To learn more about your CO alarm, contact your manufacturer. Two manufacturers of CO Alarms are Kidde and BRK/First Alert.

Their websites can be reached by clicking here: Kidde / BRK First Alert.

Signs a CO Alarm Needs Replacing

One sign that a carbon monoxide alarm should be replaced is a chirping sound that does not stop until the unit is powered off. Another sign that a CO alarm should be replaced is that it makes the low battery signal even after brand new batteries are installed. Models with a digital read out will show an “ERR” or “E09” or “END” message.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide, the Invisible, Odorless Killer

The purpose of the Beat the Beep campaign is to alert residents that their CO alarms may be reaching the end of the their lifecycles and should be replaced BEFORE the beeps indicating end of life. This also provides continuous protection against possible CO poisoning and reduces the number of false alarms to local fire departments and emergency service providers.

Many Lives Saved by “Nicole’s Law”

Since Nicole’s Law took effect in 2006 requiring CO alarms in nearly every Massachusetts residence, many people have been saved from CO poisoning. CO alarms notified them that something was wrong at the earliest possible stages of CO detection. There still have been deaths from CO poisoning, but in most cases those homes had no CO alarms. Your safety depends on working CO detectors.

For more information or questions regarding this topic, please contact your local fire department. Billerica residents may contact the Billerica Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 978-671-0941.

All information has been provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services – www.mass.gov/dfs