Re: Does Carbon Monoxide rise or fall?

["Robert L Bass" <Sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Frank Olson" wrote:
>
>> But was told NOT to buy the combo units
>
> Combo units are a compromise.  They're better than nothing at all, but fall
> short of the standards I've set in protecting my own family.  If I won't use
> them in my own home, it stands to reason I wouldn't use them in someone
> elses.

Agreed.  I don't know if anyone else already explained the drawbacks of
combined smoke and CO detectors but I'll put in my $0.02 on the subject.
There is a different response protocol for smoke from CO detection.  If a
smoke detector goes off in a private residence the usual response is to make
sure the family is safe, then check for an actual fire.  If no fire is
detected it's probably safe to go back inside.  If a CO detector goes off the
family needs to exit the premises immediately and **stay out** until the fire
department clears the premises.  Unlike fire, CO cannot be detected by human
senses.  It's colorless and odorless, yet can be lethal even at low doses if
exposure continues over time.

There is (or at least there should be) a different protocol for a monitored
system as well.  When we received fire alarm signals on private residences we
called the premises to notify the residents of the alarm.  If no one answered
we would send the fire department.  For CO we called the department first.
Then we would call the premises.  We would not cancel the FD even if the
resident assured us they were OK.  Twice this resulted in lived being saved
when clients didn't realize there was a problem.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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