Spring Break
Caution: Mind your sensor
Carbon monoxide detectors expire despite operative power source
Tara Bannow
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Money/Health
"It's amazing how many people know someone who has died from carbon monoxide, especially this time of year," she said. "It just kind of hits home."
Getting a carbon monoxide detector should be at the top of people's lists when they move in a new place, she said, adding, "I bought everybody carbon monoxide detectors for Christmas."
Since their son's death, Don and Kim Bodeau have been spreading the word about carbon monoxide safety.
Most importantly, they said, is to make sure a carbon monoxide detectors is UL listed. Check for the end-of-life date on the back. If it is older than five to seven years, it must be replaced.
Write the end-of-life date on the front of the detector so it won't be forgotten, they said.
Keep combustible heaters in good working condition, Kim Bodeau said, adding furnaces should be checked by a technician on a yearly basis.
Have an alarm within 12 to 15 feet of bedrooms and within 12 to 15 feet of heating appliances, she said.
A dual power source is also important in the event of a power failure, Kim Bodeau said.
Although a detector's sensor can expire even if the power source is new, Drengenberg said people do not need to worry. As long as the detector is not used past its end-of-life date, it should do what it is supposed to.
To keep themselves safe, he said, people need to do three things. First, get a carbon monoxide detector, second, make sure it is UL certified and lastly, do not use it past its end-of-life date.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly, Caldwell said, and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year.
Although Don and Kim Bodeau will not get their son back, they said they feel they are doing something positive by getting the word out.
As Don put it, "If we could save one life, it would be worth it for us."
Getting a carbon monoxide detector should be at the top of people's lists when they move in a new place, she said, adding, "I bought everybody carbon monoxide detectors for Christmas."
Since their son's death, Don and Kim Bodeau have been spreading the word about carbon monoxide safety.
Most importantly, they said, is to make sure a carbon monoxide detectors is UL listed. Check for the end-of-life date on the back. If it is older than five to seven years, it must be replaced.
Write the end-of-life date on the front of the detector so it won't be forgotten, they said.
Keep combustible heaters in good working condition, Kim Bodeau said, adding furnaces should be checked by a technician on a yearly basis.
Have an alarm within 12 to 15 feet of bedrooms and within 12 to 15 feet of heating appliances, she said.
A dual power source is also important in the event of a power failure, Kim Bodeau said.
Although a detector's sensor can expire even if the power source is new, Drengenberg said people do not need to worry. As long as the detector is not used past its end-of-life date, it should do what it is supposed to.
To keep themselves safe, he said, people need to do three things. First, get a carbon monoxide detector, second, make sure it is UL certified and lastly, do not use it past its end-of-life date.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly, Caldwell said, and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year.
Although Don and Kim Bodeau will not get their son back, they said they feel they are doing something positive by getting the word out.
As Don put it, "If we could save one life, it would be worth it for us."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
CO Informer
posted 4/08/08 @ 11:07 AM CST
My condolences to the entire Bodeau family. This type of awful events can so easily be avoided by following the instructions in this article. Everyone get the word out!
I am fortunate to work at a company that makes CO alarms, and so I was able to test my home CO detector at work. (Continued…)
Rocco Mastrolonardo
posted 5/02/08 @ 4:45 AM CST
As stated by your earlier contributor, we too would like to extend our condolences to the Bodeau family. Sadly tragic events such as these seem to become all too common. (Continued…)
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