If your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm has a low battery, you will likely hear a short chirp every 15 seconds to one minute. Try replacing the battery and see if that fixes it. However, carbon monoxide can cause a serious health emergency. If you have any concerns, please contact the fire department, day or night, at 250-286-6266.
To warn of dangerous CO levels, most detectors will beep 4 or 5 times in a row about every 4 seconds. Do not mistake dangerous levels of poisonous gas for a detector with low battery! Even if no one in the building is experiencing symptoms, if there's a chance your detector is signaling carbon monoxide, get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and dial 9-1-1. Acting quickly is key. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Headaches
- Impaired judgement
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- High levels of poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness and muscular coordination, and ultimately, death.