Friday August, 22 2025 @ 00:36

Nature: Carbon Monoxide Detector

Location: 34542 Broad Water Rd Pots Nets Bayside, DE 19966

On Friday, August 22^nd, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for carbon monoxide detector activation on Broad Water Road in the Pot Nets Bayside development off Long Neck Road. It was reported to be a carbon monoxide activation at this residential location.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine 80 from the Long Neck facility.

Emergency response crew assignments included an exterior and interior evaluation of the residential structure and as well as monitoring the interior location.

Upon arrival of emergency response units, the occupants had already completed an evacuation.  Emergency response personnel discussed with the occupants.  All units were authorized to return to their respective quarters.

Recommendations to mitigate faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, you should perform regular maintenance, ensure correct placement, and replace the unit at the end of its life. By recognizing the differences between a true alarm, a low battery, and a malfunction signal, you can avoid dangerous assumptions and false alarms.

• Routine maintenance

Test monthly: Press the "Test" button on the alarm once a month to ensure the audible alarm is working. A normal test will typically result in a series of beeps.

Replace batteries: For models with replaceable batteries, swap them out at least every six months. A great time to do this is when you change your clocks for daylight savings. A repeated chirp every 30 to 60 seconds is the most common indicator of a low battery.

Clean regularly: Use a dry, soft brush attachment on a vacuum or a can of compressed air to clean dust and debris from the detector's vents. Never use water or chemicals, which can damage the internal sensors.

• End-of-life replacement

Check the expiration date: Most CO detectors have a lifespan of 5–10 years, which can vary by model. Check the back of the unit for the manufacture date and replace it accordingly.

Recognize the signal: Modern alarms, especially those made after 2009, have an "end-of-life" warning. This often sounds like a chirp every 30 seconds or an "END" or "ERR" message on a digital display.

Replace, don't just change the battery: If the end-of-life signal continues after changing the battery, the entire unit must be replaced.

• Correct placement

Incorrect placement is one of the most common causes of false alarms and can also impede a detector's ability to alert you in a real emergency.

Install away from sources of combustion: Place detectors at least 15–20 feet away from fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces. This prevents normal, harmless fumes from triggering an alarm.

Avoid humid areas: Keep detectors at least 10 feet away from high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Steam and moisture can interfere with the sensors.

Mind the airflow: Do not install detectors near windows, doors, air vents, or ceiling fans, as this can disrupt proper air circulation and delay detection.

Place near sleeping areas: Install a detector outside every bedroom or sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.