The Ottumwa Fire Department is pressing the importance of checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as daylight savings ends.
The month of November is carbon monoxide awareness month. This odorless gas can cause sickness and even death. Pat Short, Interim Fire Chief, explains how easy it is to check your detectors.
“Daylight savings is an easy time to remember to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors because it’s twice a year. Smoke detectors should be checked once a month, just push the button to make sure they’re working.” Pat Short, Interim Fire Chief
Short says detectors should be installed in sleeping quarters, in hallways, or at least one on each floor of the residence. He says never put them in the kitchen, as cooking will set them off.
“You could be having it (carbon monoxide) in your home and not even know it until it greatly affects you.” Pat Short, Interim Fire Chief
Short says that if multiple people in the house are experiencing the same symptoms, it may be an indication of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Anytime we get a serious reading, we are going to defer and we’re going to call Mid-America. They will come with even stronger and more sensitive detecting devices than we have and track down exactly where it’s originating.” Pat Short, Interim Fire Chief
Short says that anybody within the Ottumwa city limits can contact the station and firefighters will install new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
“We want everybody to have smoke detectors in their house. Unfortunately, if you’re sleeping and there’s a fire and smoke, you think a terrible smell will wake you up, but it won’t. It will put you in a deeper sleep. Smoke detectors are a line of defense to be able to get out of the house quickly.” Pat Short, Interim Fire Chief
