Is it normal for a carbon monoxide detector to read 0 ppm?

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dfjkdfj

Sorry for posting a second time, but the first question did not get any good answers. Is it normal for a carbon monoxide detector to read 0 PPM? I have one that shows the highest level over the past 24 hours, and whenever I check it always reads 0 PPM. Is this normal? I would think there might be one or two PPM in the house, considering the lowest level it would bother sensitive people is 30 PPM.

Answer
Actually in the 0 to 29 ppm level CO detectors are not allowed to display the actual CO level, and are required to display zero in that range according to CO alarm standards developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL2034) in collaboration with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. (The display and alarm specifications of UL2034 are matched in a Canadian standard, CSA 6.19-01)

What are the physical effects of carbon monoxide poisoning before death?

confused i

After the body was removed from the vehicle there was blood present in & on the side of the vehicle, and drops of blood on the ground. Why would blood be present from carbon monoxide poisoning? Also, by running a hose from the tailpipe through the window of the vehicle and sealing the window, how long would it take for death?
Would the person be able to turn the key off but not able to open the door? The vehicle was turned off but the doors were locked when the person was found. Could they have decided not to go thru with it, had the mobility to turn off the car and not had enough mobility to open the door?
This was an apparent suicide but there wasn't a note found and I have alot of questions. The presence of blood, the key turned off, the doors locked?......all of these things really puzzle me.

Answer
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

THE FACTS

As colorless as the air, this sudden killer is responsible for 700 fatalities a year in the United States. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is not to be confused with Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is responsible for the bubbles in your gingerale. CO is a product of inefficiently burnt fuels that are created by an appliance or heating unit in the home. One in five deaths by CO poisoning can be attributed to a malfunctioning appliance, either due to poor maintenance or a design fault. Carbon Monoxide is the inevitable by-product of the burning of all carbon based fuels, and the less of it that is in the air, the better.

CO is deadly because it is not detectable to the five human senses. To confuse matters more, symptoms of CO poisoning mimic common every day ailments such as migraine headaches or the flu. This insidious threat to home safety is responsible for 113,333 emergency situations in the U.S. every year. There are two basic types of carbon monoxide poisoning, ACUTE and CHRONIC.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

ACUTE CO poisoning is rarely detected until its victims become quite ill. In this kind of scenario, a heating unit or appliance breaks down and emits lethal levels of gas in a short time. The severity of the symptoms varies depending on the concentration of the gas in the air. The chart below gives you an idea of when to suspect that CO is the culprit behind your discomfort.

The numbers below represent the concentration or amount of CO that is in the air as per parts per million (ppm) followed by its physical effects:

* At 35 ppm - No adverse effects until after about 8 hours of exposure
* At 200 ppm - Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure
* At 800 ppm - Headache, nausea and dizziness at 45 minutes. Physical collapse at 2 hours.
* At 1000 ppm - Loss of consciousness at 1 hour.
* At 3200 ppm - Dizziness and nausea at10 minutes. Loss of consciousness occurs at 30 minutes.
* 12,800 ppm - Collapse, loss of consciousness and death after 1-3 minutes of exposure.

CHRONIC CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of long-term exposure mimic common disorder such as the flu. Long-term exposure to smaller amounts of CO has been associated with diabetes and brain damage. There is a middle range of slightly higher exposure over a shorter period of time. In this scenario, a gas heater breaks down and an entire family can suffer nausea and dizziness over a period of two weeks indicating that it might be from CO leak.

Persistent symptoms of CO poisoning include

* Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Confusion
* Convulsions
* Respiratory problems
* Rapid breathing
* Persistent cough
* Concentration problems
* Hallucinations
* Panic attacks
* Clumsiness
* Severe muscle pains
* Trembling
* Vision problems


CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

CO takes its victims by surprise so poisoning is as hard to predict as any act of fate. However, there are measures you can take to immediately allay the severity of the situation.


* First and foremost, outfit your home and garage with a CO detector. Human beings are unable to smell CO so these devices act as a second nose. These devices resemble a fire alarm and sound off at the first subtle whiff of gas.
* Have a qualified professional regularly check your heating systems, chimneys, furnaces, stoves and cookers for flaws, leaks, efficiency and structural weaknesses.
* Be mindful and observant. For example, if you suspect your furnace is not working, don't use it until it is fixed.
* Be a savvy consumer. Before purchasing a major appliance, check with the manufacturer or a consumer safety groups to see if the brand has a good reputation.

PREPARATION

Carbon monoxide poisoning is accidental, and you should prepare for it just as you would any other catastrophe that might strike without warning. As is the case with fires, it is a good idea to make sure that all doors windows and exits are kept free of obstacles. Keeping a window open, while using appliances such as tabletop gas cookers is also a good idea.

WHAT TO DO IF THE UNFORTUNATE OCCURS

If at any time you feel you have been exposed to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes you should remove yourself from the area immediately and seek medical assistance. In this case, it is also advisable to open doors and break windows to let fresh air in and speed evacuation.

Emergency treatment for acute CO poisoning almost always includes keeping the victim warm as well as dosing them with supplemental oxygen via a mask.

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My carbon monoxide detector beeps every 30 seconds?

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some girl

It's so disturbing, i can't sleep with that thing beeping every 30 seconds, its quite loud too.
What's wrong with it? My mom just got a new battery for it and i don't think our house is poisoned or whatever the detector is for..
So what's wrong with it and what can we do? thanks all ._.
oh and this started recently (i think on monday Nov 1st)
it'll start beeping every 30 seconds at around 4pm
then around 6pm it starts again, i dont really keep track, but i believe it goes in a 2 hour cycle.
it usually lasts for around 30 mins

Answer
Could be that your mom didn't install the new battery correctly. (Mine was a real pain.)

Why is my smoke detector still blinking green after replacing battery?

Cod

It is First Alert carbon monoxide detector and is hard wired with back up batteries. The light goes green for 2 seconds and off 2 seconds. We replaced battery with brand new ones and tested it. It stays green and then starts to blink again.

Answer
Mine chirps too when the battery is low and it will still chirp after you replace that battery. You have to hold the test button and let it beep a few times. Then the light will blink every 30 seconds to let you know it active.

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How many smoke detectors should I have in my home? Where should I put my Carbon Monoxide Detector?

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boo4yoo

My house is 20 years old and it is a 1 1/2 story with a full basement. The gas furnace/water heaters are in the basement. Access to the basement is through the interior of the house and it's walk-out. I'm planning on totally replacing the smoke detectors, they are not hard wired. With this considered, how many battery operated smoke detectors should I get for my home? 2600 sq feet finished living space with a full unfinished basement. Where should I install the Carbon Monoxide detector?

Answer
Check with your local fire department and they will be GLAD to come to your house and show you where to put up all your detectors and also what type of fire extinguishers to have and where to hang them. And it's a good idea in another aspect...the fire department refreshes themselves on your location. They may also provide window stickers for bedrooms and pets.

what will carbon monoxide detector sound like if there is CO in home?

Chloegirl

I just plugged in a first alert carbon monoxide detector down in basement. The horn will sound once or twice every 20 minutes or so and the red light will flash every so often also. Is this a malfunction or is there CO in my home?

Answer
A very load chirping noise.

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What number's should I kook for on my carbon monoxide detector?

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Kenneth W

Answer
Not sure if I understand your question. If you mean the display (if yours has one) that should read 0, unless you are testing it with the test button. My NightHawk model 900-0014-04 reads 163 when the test button is pressed then sounds the alarm. Check the manual for your unit or look on the back of it for test instructions.

Most are calibrated for 200 PPM in less than 35 minutes and have an alarm response time of less than 90 minutes for a 100 PPM concentration of CO.

How do you find the level of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere?

girly girl

ppm?

Answer
It can only be detected by a scientific meter specific to finding CO. A blood gases test also shows its presence.
As it is odorless and tasteless you need a detector to warn you before medical symptoms occur. The normal level is 0 ppm. The symptoms mimic a bad cold or flu. If everyone in the house, even the pets, are not acting normally, suspect CO.

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Adopting? I live in Wisconsin and the child is in Illinois?

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Bec

Does anyone know of any requirements or complications regarding this type of adoptions. Also does anyone know of some good books to read regarding adoption?

Answer
Always start the home study as soon as you decide to adopt. In a home study, a social worker will come into your home and inspect it. If you have any chemicals (i.e. Lysol, Clorox, detergent, air spray, etc) make sure they're locked up. Lock up all guns and dangerous stuff where the children can't access them. Make sure there is a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector outside each room (preferably Kidde smoke alarms). The social worker will do a criminal/civil background check. They will do a medical check to see if you are healthy enough to take care of a child. They will look at marriage and divorce records but don't worry about that. They will do juvenile checks on the children in the home (if you have any). They will also observe your relationship with your own children to see what kind of a parent you are and what kind of relationship you might have with your future adopted child. Everyone residing must participate in the home study to the best of their ability. If a residing adult objects the adoption proceed, there is going to be an issue. If a residing child objects the adoption, it will most likely be less of an issue but still an issue. Be kind to the social worker. Always offer him/her a drink, a pair of slippers, a place to put their shoes, to hang the coat, etc. When we adopted our now 2 year old daughter from China our then 7, 5 2 year old were expected to be kind to the social worker. We told them firmly that everyone was expected to be kind to the social worker and to if they misbehave, there will be consequences. I included them in the adoption process as much as I can and spent time with each of them individually so they don't feel like I love the baby more then I love them or "where is my place in the family?" Gather the family together and talk to them about the adoption, the plans, etc.

Is global warming a major issue concerning the existence of mankind on earth?

neo1

Coz i read in some book sayin"If global warming rate goes on like this then the whole world will b drowned!"

Answer
Lester E Brown is the director and founder of the global institute of Environment in the United states .he has compiled a report based on all the satalite information available from NASA,and all the information that has come from Universities and American embassies WORLD WIDE ,
his little book Plan B has been trans lated into 50 languages and won the best book award in 2003.

so he knows something and i have added a couple of things that i know

CARBON MONOXIDE
chief causes for global warming are the destruction of the ozone and excessive carbon production ,because we have so many cars and so much land is being deforrested.

the trees absorb carbon emisions ,which is poison to us and they produce oxygen which we need to breathe.

the sea does as well but this is limited to winter periods how ever if the waters also heat up ,the seas will absorb less than ususal and we create more and more

the trees produce the air that we need to breathe.
deforestation must be stopped before desertification goes out of control and consumes the planet.

other reasons are the burning of rubbish especially tires and plastic,and the exessive use of aerosprays which release gasses thes gasses built up ,and because we are a closed system (an enclosed package drifting in space)the trapped gasses heat up and produce the green house effect.

because of the green house effect and the desertification this planet is heating up
Each degree rise in temperature signifies 10% crop loss

DESERTIFICATION
the sahara is growing by 7 kilometres every day.
two major desserts in northern china are growing together making one giant dessert and,causing dust storms so making thousands of people refugeese

the trees evaporate a mist which ,which protects us from the strong rays of the sun .

the planet is drying out at an alarming rate.

in the days of the dinasaurs this planet was under an aquiferus manta ,a mist that covered the entire earth ,and there were no desserts .
Count how many there are today,and all of them are as a result of mans actions.
the sahara used to be forrests
arabia ,irak ,iran used to be fertile lands in biblical times
Ghengas Kahn burned all the forrests here and filled the well with water and so turning vast lands into dessert.

Bad agricultural practises is turning vast teritories into desserts ,because of over grazing and the exessive pumping of carbon aquifiers ,the surface aquifiers already having been depleted.
And the use of fertilisers and heavy machinery that compacts the ground which raises the salt in the soil.
Modern agriculture today is doing the same as ghengas kahn but in much bigger territories.


it is a vicious circle of chain effects
more and more CO2,,and less and less factors that obsorb
and hotter and hotter.

AND AS A RESULT WE HAVE LESS AND LESS DRINKABLE WATER
WATERSHORTAGE
each year 70 million more people are consuming water but this is ,but a small part of what agriculture uses.

so our consumption of water is ever increasing and our drinkable water supply is shrinking because of polution ,and the production of potable water is less all the time because of deforestation.

in Tasmania one can already exchange one litre of water for 2 litres of petrol.
it is predicted that the wars of the future will be for water.
the water we got in most populated places must be treated or purified before it is acceptable for human consumption.

in Portugal and soutern Spain ,as in many places, wine is cheaper than water.Which would explain the many drunk people there

we are living in a bubble economy and when the bubble bursts
food prices will sky rocket,and so will the price of water.

the wars of the future will be for water



RISING SEAS
The northpole is melting ,and we will know it without ice in our life times.
this does not affect the sea level because it is ice that is already in the water.

Green land and the south pole ,which apperantly has a hole in the ozone the size of the usa,are another matter.
this is ice above the sea ,on the land, and melted water will return to the sea .and so duely affect sea levels.the sea has been rising for a long time.
in portugal remains of Roman villas have been discovered 3/4 of a mile in the sea,and in one town the locals say that the sea is eating their town ,in recent years the Dona Philipa golf cours has lost the 16th and 17th hole which have fallen of the cliffs unto the beach.

in California and Florida rising seas have flooded arable land that has been lost
so far only a few millions acres in total globaly ,but this will speed up with the increasing global warming.
And in Antartica arms of ice that even had names because the were so permanent have broken of into the sea.


Global warming is in theory reversable,but it will mean global co operation between all countries ,and taking into account human nature and the world politics ,it is unlikely that this will happen,
At least not untill we are all in the middle of planetary disastres and it becomes a battle for the survival of humanity every where.

SOLUTIONS
if you want to help the planet ,plant a tree every week ,if everyone on the planet did we we would be able to reverse the destructive processes

reduce carbon emisions,and they are already working on that by alternative forms of energy and regulations on carbon producing materials,aerosol cans,burning rubbish,industrial chimneys,powerplants etc.

the capture of carbon and the production of water and assist the aquiferous manta.
the world bank pays large subsidies for reforrestation to capture carbon and the best tree for this is the Pawlonia

Waterharvesting projects ,such as millions of small dams.to redirect over ground waterflows from the rains into the ground to supply subteranian water supplies.

the protection of existing forrests.

stop building more highways,urban planning to include vegetation stop building cities encourage people to return to the land to conduct their business from there which now has become possible thanks to the internet.

education to motivate people to auto sufficiency by building more home food gardens.

education on environmental awareness

Agricultural education and improvements to follow the principals or sustainability and soil management.

more environmental or land ,design to prevent bush fires,such as--fire breaks ,more dams.regulations and control for public behaviour

alternative effeciant public transport to discourage the use of the internal conbustion engine

recicling wastes,limit water use

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If Tenant is not cooperative to install CO Detector, what should I do?

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Michael

I bought a Carbon Monoxide Detector trying to install in a rental property of mine, but the tenant has been so uncooperative that he either won't answer the door or found excuses to not allow me getting in. By law, the detector should have been in place prior to July, but I am still wrestling with my tenant on this. I don't want to terminate the lease merely because of this and loose the rent; just want to see if there are some ideas I can follow to protect myself from violation of law.

Answer
You only have 1 like this? You lucky dog.

I am just documenting when I tried to install and leaving it alone.

Are carbon monoxide detectors required in all States? It's just been mandatory in state of Florida?

1-2informa

Apparently it's mandatory since July 2007. But I wonder if anyone is really complying. How is it in other states, such as the ones up North where boilers are used? Regarding this law_even though there's seldom any boilers here_it is required because those are the ones more prompt to let lethal carbon monoxide out in case of accident!

Answer
I can tell you that in Alabama they are no.

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The pilot light in my gas furnace goes out every day, is it a health hazard?

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Jessica

My landlord refuses to repair the gas furnace, even though the pilot light has been going out on a weekly basis for all the 8 months I have been his tenant. The only thing he has done so far is (last week) to get a plumber to install a new ignotion switch. (Previously, it was having to be relit with a long match as the switch was broken.)

Putting a new switch on only makes it easier to relight, it doesn't solve the problem of why it was going out to begin with. Since this was done 5 days ago, the gas has gone out every day, the last two days it was twice in one day. The ladt time we had to re-light it todsy, it took numetous attempts over about 20 minutes.

I am a NY tenant. We rent a 2 family house with my family on the ground floor. when the gas boiler goes out, it means the tenant upstairs has no hot water either. She told us this has been going on for 4 years, yet does not seem willing to 'rock' the boat.

First question is my highest concern- is this a health hazard to my family and I? I have had a huge increase in migraines and wonder if this is connected.

Can I force my landlord to repair it?

In NY, is the landlord obligated to 1/ install smoke and carbon monocide detectors and 2/ to have the gas boiler (furnace) inspected annually? This is a legal requirement in many European countries.

Thanks so much for any advice or thoughts! All will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
If this is a forced air furnace there is a very important and possibly dangerous situation that hasn't been raised. A cracked heat exchanger will not only keep blowing the pilot out but can cause carbon monoxide buildup.

Relight the pilot and burner and wait for the blower to cycle on.If you see the flame fluttering, or worse yet, if the flame starts moving towards the the front part of the heat exchanger cell shut it off completely and possibly start shopping for a new furnace!

However a severely rusted burner assembly on some brands can cause the same symptoms. Hopefully a good cleaning with a wire brush will cure your problem.

Good luck!

New carbon monoxide detector law?

ChasesM

What is the new law for carbon monoxide detectors? We rent an apartment. Are the landlords required to provide them? What about smoke detectors? We live on the second story 2 bedroom apartment with one smoke detector.
We live in Jamestown, NY.
Or does anyone know a website were I can find the info?

Answer
âIn the case of a building constructed on or after January 1, 2008, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in each of the following locations:

â1. Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, on each story having a sleeping area.

â2. Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, on each story where a carbon monoxide source is located.

âOne carbon monoxide alarm installed on a story of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit having both a sleeping area and a carbon monoxide source shall suffice for that story within that dwelling unit or sleeping unit.

âIn the case of a building constructed before January 1, 2008, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in each of the following locations:

â1. Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, on the lowest story having a sleeping area.

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If I haven't used my wood stove in over a week, can it still put off carbon monoxide?

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megrwest

I haven't burnt a fire in our stove in over a week. But, I haven't been feeling well the last few days. I went to the doctor today and she said she could smell smoke on me and wanted to check me for carbon monoxide. Today is friday and I won't know anything until monday. I am kinda worried.

Answer
I really doubt the coals would still be smoldering, but if you have any concerns what so ever, I would go to the local hardware store and buy a Carbon Monoxide detector. You could even call the fire dept. and see if they would recommend any particular model or brand. Whatever the price, it is well worth the peace of mind knowing that if the gas is present, that you would be alerted to it.

what is the best home security alarm?

wHoSaIdThA

What is the price to install and the price per month?

Answer
My suggestion would be to ask around locally. Try to find a company that is small enough to care but with enough track history to prove their ability. The average install rate for a full house is anywhere from 1200 upwards. Depening on the scope of protection, if you want smoke detectors, carbon monoxide, motion, glassbreak, number of keypads, number of contact, difficulty of installation etc.

Window screens are a good idea, I haven't really seen them around for a number of years and I do remember there being the occasional issue with wire tears, they can be fairly delicate.

Typically monitoring rates around here (Canada) tend to be around the $25 per month range. There are a few companies that will go lower to build up a sellable acount base but from customer feedback, their service tends to be fairly lacklustre.

I have written a number of articles on security systems and home security in general, they can be found on my website at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca. Some articles of interest might be protection101, false alarm info and there is an article on the truth about wireless "security systems" in the archive. Wireless systems are definately something to avoid at all costs. a qualified alarm installer should be able to hardwire almost anything.

Good Luck

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Can I use radon detector gas to get the reading for carbon monoxide level?

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westofrest

We have a radon detector that was used to test the radon level in the basement. Can we use it to get an accurate reading for carbon monoxide level instead of using a carbon monoxide detector? Thank you.

Answer
I don't think so. There is a carbon monoxide circular device that is aliken to the fire alarm circular device you attach to the ceiling in your home. They say this cm device should be placed by your windows as well as in your garage and bedroom. I heard they are about $20 each at Home Depot. In my humble opinion you don't need to know the "levels" what you need to know is when it's there and to leave promptly upon hearing the alarm. Btw, radon can be present in rooms that rarely have the windows open as it gets trapped. So as I understand it, it's around, just don't harness it.

Where do I need to put these smoke detectors in my house?

D

I have three for each room. Do I need to place them in the center of the room or right at the doorway? I also got 1 carbon monoxide detector, where in the house do i need it. Do i also need one in the garage above the water heater?

Answer
You should put them at the doorway

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what is a safe level of carbon monoxide?

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kalashniko

i bought a new digital carbon monoxide detector...it has readings up to 400( not sure what the units of measurement are) it records a week's worth of c0 levels...i had it for a couple of days and decided to check it and it said the highest reading of c0 so far was 131....but it didnt go off....so im assuming that that is still a safe/inhabitable area.....the question is....what is a dangerous level of c0 and who do i call to service my gasboiler/ gas heater cause those are the only things in my house that are powered by gas....do i call my gas guy? or my heating/cooling guy? thanks in advance

Answer
Carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million (ppm). Any CO levels higher than 10-20 should be alarming. Especially inside of a residence. If it recorded a CO level of 131 and didn't alarm, then you might want to look into getting a new detector. If you were home at the time the level was 131, you would be dead within a few hours. The signs/symptoms of acute (new onset) CO poisoning start out as headache, reddening of face, dizziness, and progress to nausea, vomiting, trouble walking and soon thereafter, unconsciousness and death. So yes, get a hold of a professional about your furnace, washer/dryer, or whatever your think the CO source may be. Hope this helps.

Could my oven be leaking carbon monoxide or other gases?

Chelsea Wi

My boyfriend & I have lived in our apartment for about seven months now. Ever since we moved in, whenever we turn on the oven (but not necessarily the stove) which is a gas oven, the smoke alarm in the bedroom goes off. When we first moved in we had my dad's friend (who is an engineer and knows about gas ovens) take a look at it because I was worried about the fact that you can smell gas whenever the stove or the oven is on - I knew some was normal but it bothered me.

Anyway, as far as the alarm goes, at first we looked at the oven and there was a bunch of crap burned to the bottom (like bits of food), so we figured that it was just burning off and causing it to get smoky in the apartment.

But after seven months it STILL does this. And just a few minutes ago I had the oven set to 400 and was about to bake a pizza when the alarm went off AGAIN because I forgot to close the door to the bedroom, and now my entire apartment smells overwhelmingly of gas, even though I turned the oven off and everything.

We have a carbon monoxide detector in the same place as the smoke alarm, but it is always the smoke alarm that goes off, not the CO. The reason that carbon monoxide even occurred to me is because I smell gas when I turn the oven on, although I now know that you can't smell or taste carbon monoxide. But still, when the alarm goes off, I never SEE smoke. Just the smell of gas.

Again, this has been going on for ~7 months and neither of us, nor any of our pets (3 rats and a cat) are dead. However, the symptoms of CO poisoning are so typical that it would be impossible for us to distinguish if we had them, and my boyfriend had chest pains/headaches before we moved. My mom says that if I've been smelling gas for seven months and haven't died that it's probably nothing and the smoke detector is picking up the heat from the oven or smoke I can't see. Still, should I be worried about this?

Answer
Eeeeek scary stuff. Buy a new oven, or get it looked At. Asap. Now!! When there old most service techs just remove and replace, not really knowing the real problem. I would craigslist that thing, and get a new one.

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Home evaluation for department of family and children services?

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luckyarbor

I have a set of twin cousins in a foster home right now and I am trying to have them placed in my home so they are coming out to do a home evaluation tomorrow what are they looking for so I can pass this and get them in my home?

Answer
I actually do "homestudies" for the state of Utah. Everything needs to be safe for the child. My agency requires the child to have their own bedroom, but if they are siblings, then they can share. Own beds, that are sturdy (not air mattresses).

Windows need to have screens. There must be two exits in case of fire on each level (windows count). Fridge, stove, microwave, etc...needs to be working. There needs to be smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each level. We require fire a extinguisher. Emergency numbers posted by the phone. 3 steps or more require a banister. Bathrooms must be in working order. Heater must be able to maintain temperature of at least 68 degrees.

Furnace must have cleared space of 6 ft around it. (Or be in its own closet). Medications, firearms, and hazardous materials must be locked. Garbage must be sanitary. Those are the ones I can think of for the actual homestudy. If they don't have any of these things that can be easily fixed, we just let them know what they need to do, and we come back for a follow up visit and most likely we can approve their home.

We also do an intensive interview process to ask them about their marriage, (how they handle issues) extended family(support system), and kids. We also ask the kids in the home some questions about having foster siblings. We also talk to them about their lifestyle, activities, typical day, or week. The questions take about an hour or so, and we have foster kids with disabilities so it's a little more intense.

That is awesome that you are willing to take in your cousins. I wish I had more relatives willing to take in their family. That's so important, and kudos for doing that. I'm sure that because you are related, they will help you in any possible way to make it a successful placement.

I hope this helped you, best of luck!!!

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning?

Q. Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning if the gas is off and the leak won't be fixed til next week?

Answer
Well first off it depends on how severe the leak is. But to answer your question, yes. You can actually get Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide (abbreviated:"CO") is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is very toxic if you inhale very high amounts of it. I've also heard that it is capable of damaging the nerve cells in your body and even in some occasions causing death. Just to be safe, I would recommend the placement of carbon monoxide detectors around places in your home like the kitchen or in or near the bedrooms.

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How do i know if i am safe to turn on my furnace?

carbon monoxide detectors required in new york image

Veronica

I am renting a 1970s trailer, and my landlord says he replaced some parts of my furnace, but I'm still terrified to turn it on. How do I know if I am safe? I looked it up online and was told to check to see if animals live inside or anything, but I don't even know where to start looking! I have renters insurance, but I'm terrified of fires, and instead went out and purchased some electric heaters but I will not leave them on when I am not home, and I live in mountains in new york. The warmest its been is about 40, and everywhere says it should be at least 50 in my house so my pipes don't freeze!

Answer
Turn off all power to anything that sparks before trying to start it, and open the windows.

But think about getting a carbon monoxide and explosive gas detector http://www.amazon.com/Kidde-KN-COEG-3-Nighthawk-Monoxide-Explosive/dp/B0002EVNJ6/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1353445241&sr=1-5&keywords=gas+detector , that one just plugs into an outlet. It's a great idea to have one, more and more municipalities are requiring CO detectors, and why not get the additional benefit of testing for explosive gas?

my son lives alone and he had two episodes of passing out and not feeling good can this be by his gas heater?

JoAnn P

he has a small heater, he has not been feeling good and thinks it's carbon monoxide he also called his landlord. he past out three times last night and i am taking him to the ER after his shift at work. He is dizzy, and blacks out

Answer
Well for starters-- he should have a carbon monoxide detector in his apartment along with a smoke detector. All cities are different but here in New York landlords are required by law to install them in all units. Most other cities that I know of have similar laws. If his landlord is not obligated or refuses to do so, a basic one is not that expensive-- Carbon monoxide can be fatal.

Also, when your son passed out was he at his apartment or yours? It could be something else-- mold in the apartment or a physical health problem or a neurological problem. Either way, definately do not ignore it-- he should see a doctor as soon as possible to properly diagnose the problem-- I do not recommend doing yourself or allowing google, wikipedia, me or any other poster here to do it instead.

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How are gas stoves/ovens not a carbon monoxide hazard?

carbon monoxide detectors natural gas image

Jordan Ray

We all know that when natural gas burns, it emits carbon monoxide. How is it NOT a carbon monoxide hazard when using gas stoves and ovens? These don't seem safe to me.

Answer
First of all, the normal combustion product is carbon *DI*oxide. Carbon *MON*oxide is only produced when combustion occurs with insufficient oxygen. With proper ventilation, gas appliances don't normally produce any significant amount of carbon monoxide.

A carbon monoxide detector provides another level of safety in case something goes wrong (usually some problem with the ventilation).

If you can find a way to cook your food using something that isn't potentially hazardous; please, let me know!

what could this weird gas smell from my gas stove?

Bird N

the gas company came out and they guy had his detector or whatever. He said that it might be carbon monoxide and it might be incomplete combustion from one of the pilot lights and that they may need adjustment and that it wasn't a natural gas leak. I only smell it when I stand in front of the gas stove. He also recommended I open a door or window when I have the stove or oven on. He also pointed out the debris flakes under the stove cover as fuel debris or whatever. I put a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen for about an hour and it didn't go off. What should I do? Call an appliance repair company? will it be expensive? Thanks!

Answer
I doubt that it would take a repair person very long, a service call, probably in the $45-$75 area depending on your location, plus time and materials, say another 1/2 hour. I'm guessing $100 total. You might well try this yourself. Go to a store that sells welders and welding supplies and ask for a "welding tip cleaner". It will be in the $5-7 range and is a small aluminum case with a series of round wires in various diameters, which are actually files. They are used to clean gas welding tips which have various sizes of orifices. Shut off the gas valve behind the stove, and use the tip cleaner to clean the pilot light orifices. The small files are flexible and will bend and you can increase to larger sizes until you feel metal to metal contact. Then, turn the gas back on and relight your pilots. If there is no improvement, you aren't out much, and the tip cleaner can come in handy. They are great for cleaning the windshield washer nozzles on your car. Good luck.

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I changed ALL the batteries in my smoke detectors and it is still beeping every minute or so. What next?

carbon monoxide detector 10 year battery image

Marathon m

Answer
Might be dirty. If you have an air compressor sitting around, try blowing it out. Otherwise try a vacuum. Or maybe it is defective.

Also I remember that if your smoke detector combines a carbon monoxide detector, they are designed to fail* after 7 or 10 years. So it might be beeping for that reason.

*As I remember this is due to the chemical makeup of the sensor.

Free Security System?

Mary A

My husband said that lots of companies will put in a security system for free? Should I just pay for this pkg below or should I search for a "free" provider?

I was going to go with this package from ADT (it is a special through my insurance company):

Save $355 on Installation
Members pay only $339 â Compared to ADT's standard $613.

Save $5 per month on Monitoring
Members pay only $23.99 a month by credit card â Compared to ADT's standard $30.99.

Features of the Safewatch® Pro 3000 package:
Safewatch Pro Control Panel
Safewatch Pro Touchpad
4 Door/Window Contacts
Interior Sounder
Motion Sensor
Smoke/Heat or Carbon Monoxide Detector
Telephone Connection
Battery Backâup and Power Supply
Yard Sign and Window Decals


Member Benefits:
15% Insurance Credit. You may qualify for up to 15% credit off the homeowners policy basic premium.

10% Off Addâons. Save 10% off standard

Answer
well i don't know the layout of your residence - but you need to monitor every first floor opening (doors and windows) AND any opening on any other floor accessible without the use of a ladder longer then 8 feet or so. I doubt 4 contacts will do that in any residence (i could be wrong - it depends on your situation) - i think that's where the 'add-ons' comes in.

I would go with ADT - they usually have the top of the line hardware and their monitoring is top-notch.

I had several estimates when getting my system installed - no one offered the hardware free - if they do offer it free - it probably comes with a clause that you have to go with their monitoring for so many years and it will probably be more expensive in the long run considering all of the discounts you're getting

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What's the difference between vented and ventless gas logs?

carbon monoxide detectors best price image

fap68

I have a wood-burning fireplace and would like to have gas logs installed. Any advice on whether vented or ventless gas logs are better in terms of price, upkeep, look, etc?

Answer
There are reasons to pick both, it just depends on which are important to you.

Positive Features of Vented Gas Logs:

Extremely realistic flame pattern that looks like a wood fire.
Flame is much taller than vent-free logs
Flame dances and wraps around logs like real wood.
Does not require a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector
Since the damper is open, most of the smell will go up the chimney

Negative Features of Vented Gas Logs:

Less heat than vent-free logs (probably won't heat your room)
Uses slightly more gas than vent-free logs

Positive Features of Vent-Free Gas Logs:

Much better heat output than vented gas logs
Less pollution
Slightly less gas consumption

Negative Features of Vent-Frees Gas Logs:

Since the byproduct of burning gas cleanly is water, vent-free logs will introduce excess moisture into your home which can result in mold or mildew.
You must be careful not to burn your vent-free logs for extended periods of time with windows closed, otherwise they will deplete the oxygen in your home.
If you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour or so, you must crack open a window to allow air into your home to replace the oxygen burned by the vent-free gas logs. This will introduce cold air into the room and offset some of the heating benefits that vent-free logs claim to have.
Vent-free gas logs produce an odor that many people equate to the smell of burning kerosene. So if you have a sensitive nose, you may not be able to handle the smell and will be greatly dissatisfied with vent-free logs. On the other hand, we've heard some people who like the smell because it reminds them of their childhood days at Grandma's house.
Vent-free logs are not legal in California as well as some cities and municipalities. Please check your local regulations. Please note that it is not illegal to use Vent-free log sets if they are used with the vent open.
Vent-free gas logs are required to have an ODS (oxygen depletion system) as well as a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector.
The flame pattern with vent-free logs pails in comparison to vented logs. Because the gas must burn cleanly, the flame height is very low and most of it is blue. Also, you will find that the flame does not dance around like a real wood fire and very little of the flame actually touches the logs. The reason for this is that when the flame touches the logs, it gets cooled off and does not burn cleanly and starts to produce soot and exhaust gases.

converting from gas to electric in house?

busymom4bo

I am moving into an older manufactured home and we are very skeptical about having gas becaue of safety issues and of course prices...ouch! we have only a stove and the central heat as far as I know that are run off the gas. Would they be hard to convert to electric? we have a hot water heater out there and dryer of course but I believe they are both electric. Are there any other things that could possibly be run off gas in the home? I am not very knowledgeable on subject ...any advice would be helpful!

Answer
no need to be afraid, gas is great. buy a carbon monoxide detector, just to be safe . Gas smells just awful so if it leaks(it won't) you will know. it will probably cost you more than you want to convert to electricity,you will probably need an electrician and lots of wire and boxes and probably have to upgrade the service,pricey i'll bet. so learn to live with it you might like it.....tom

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