How Can I Tell If an Alarm Is a Smoke Alarm or Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

Carbon monoxide is the "silent killer"; you can not see or smell the insidious gas. A carbon monoxide alarm will sound when excessive gas is detected in the environment. The alarm is a high-pitched, loud beeping sound. The beeping can be confused with a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are triggered by smoldering fires or flaming fires, or any excessive smoke in the vicinity. The alarm is also a loud beeping sound. The best way to determine the difference between the two alarms is with surrounding evidence.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the source of the alarm. Plug-in carbon monoxide detectors do not have extension cords and usually reside directly over an outlet. Fire alarms are usually installed on the ceilings or high on walls. This step should be used only if you think your alarm has been triggered accidentally. If there is an actual emergency, vacate the building immediately.

• 2

  Use your sense of smell to determine the presence of fire. Carbon monoxide has no scent, so if you smell smoke it is the fire alarm. Use the back of your hand to quickly feel your door for heat before exiting the room in the case of emergency.

• 3

  Leave your house and call 911. Even in the case of a faulty alarm, it is a good idea to have the premises checked by emergency services.

• 4

  Check your alarm batteries. Use this step only after you have determined there is no emergency. Both battery-powered carbon monoxide and fire alarms will make intermittent beeping noises when the batteries are low. Battery noises are quieter and less blaring then an emergency alarm.