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DIY guideCarbon monoxide

CO alarm going off: get everyone outside

Get everyone into fresh air, call 911 from outside, and don't go back in to find the cause.

  • 1 to 5 min
  • 4 steps
  • Every step animated
CO alarm going off: get everyone outside: the animation’s first picture

4 steps

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  1. Leave now with everyone, and pets too. Go out into fresh air.

    You can't see or smell carbon monoxide. Trust the alarm, even if everyone feels fine.

  2. Once everyone is in fresh air, call 911. Say the CO alarm went off, and if anyone feels sick.

  3. Stay outside until the fire department says it's safe. Don't go back in to find the cause or to switch things off.

    A headache, dizziness or sleepiness? Tell 911 and get checked.

  4. Before you use them again, a heating pro checks the furnace, the water heater and their vents. Ask Handyman for one.

What you need

  • Your phone, to call once you're outside

Call a pro if

  • The CO alarm is sounding: call 911 from outside
  • Anyone has a headache, dizziness or nausea: call 911 and say so
  • Once it's safe, a heating pro checks the furnace, water heater and vents

Handyman says: I'll find a heating pro to check the cause.

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