What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

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What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

Just about everyone has woken up to the sounds of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off in the middle of the night. But what do those chirps and beeps mean? In our latest video, we asked the National Fire Protection Association what the noises mean and how to stay safe from fires and carbon monoxide. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps.
  • A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.

Some newer alarms also have a voice that gives you directions. Other alarms, made for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, shake your pillow or have a strobe light.

  • Every alarm has a manufacture date or an expiration date. Replace your alarms before the expiration date, or within 10 years of the manufacture date.
  • Test your alarms once a month.
  • Replace the batteries once a year.
  • Replace the alarms at least every 10 years.

When you buy new alarms, put them inside and outside each sleeping area. Not just bedrooms, but anywhere people sleep. If your garage is attached to your home, you need one there too.

Have a family escape plan and pick a safe place to meet outside. Then practice your plan so everyone’s ready when an alarm goes off. If someone in the house has mobility issues, make sure they sleep on the ground floor. It could be a matter of life and death.

Learn more

  • How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning at home
  • How to protect your family from a home fire

What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

What Do the Beeps From Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Indicate?

Carbon monoxide alarms are a life saver...literally! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is created from fuel burning appliances, such as your furnace or generators. Having the proper amount of CO alarms helps you achieve peace of mind for the safety and protection of your family. However, it is important to be educated to know how your alarm  communicates with you. There are several reasons as to why your carbon monoxide alarm could be chirping. Learn what each type of chirp from your detector indicates.

Different Types of Beeps and Chirps from Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

  • 4 Beeps and a Pause: EMERGENCY. This means that carbon monoxide has been detected in the area, you should move to fresh air and call 9-1-1.
  • 1 Beep Every Minute: Low Battery. It is time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm.
  • 5 Beeps Every Minute: End of Life. This chirp means it is time to replace your carbon monoxide alarm.

What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

What Does a Low Battery Chirp Mean?

Depending on the kind of CO and gas alarm you have, the battery life differs. It is important to make sure they are working, and the battery is still good. There are plug in alarms with a battery back-up that could possibly last the lifetime of the alarm. These detectors provide you with peace of mind in the case of a power outage. First Alert also offers alarms with a 10-year sealed battery that will last the life of the alarm.

What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

What Does an End-of-Life Beep Mean?

Most carbon monoxide alarms  last between 5 and 7 years. Even if the battery is still good, all carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced after 7 years. This is because the sensor in the alarm will not work as well, and when it comes to detecting CO, you want an alarm with a high functioning sensor. However, with today’s technology, the 10-year battery powered CO alarm can provide a decade of detection.

What does a first alert carbon monoxide alarm sound like

What Does an Emergency Alarm Chirp Mean? 

This meaning is probably the most self-explanatory. When your carbon monoxide detector chirps 4 times in a row and pauses, this means it has detected unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. This means your entire household should evacuate immediately and seek fresh air. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, and confusion. It is important that after evacuating your house, to call 9-1-1 and don’t let anyone else in the home until the fire department gets there to resolve the situation.

Carbon monoxide leaks can be very scary because they are  dangerous. However, with proper CO and gas alarm coverage, your family will be alerted when  carbon monoxide is detected. Remember to regularly test your alarms and replace the batteries when specified.

What sound does a carbon monoxide alarm make when it goes off?

Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.

What does 3 beeps mean on a First Alert carbon monoxide detector?

2. Three beeps, at 15-minute intervals = MALFUNCTION. The unit is malfunctioning. Contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the alarm.

How do I know if my alarm is going off for carbon monoxide?

If anyone has flu-like symptoms, contact 911 and get outside for fresh air. The types of sounds and beeps the detector makes are important. Alarms that are continuously going off with a high-pitched sound mean there is a carbon monoxide leak.

What does it mean when my First Alert carbon monoxide detector chirps?

If your carbon monoxide alarm keeps chirping, the battery may be low or weak. On First Alert carbon monoxide detectors, check to see if the battery light is yellow or green. If the alarm is chirping and the light is yellow, it means the battery is low.