Every home and apartment needs to have smoke and CO alarms. During the past two years, 42 people have died in home and apartment fires in Los Angeles.
Key Fact: In nearly every case, there was no working smoke alarm in the homes that burned.
MySafe:LA will provide FREE SMOKE ALARMS AND INSTALLATION to those in need. If you would like to have your home inspected for working alarms, visit www.mysmokealarm.org
In California, having a working CO alarm in your apartment or home is NOW THE LAW.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), CO poisoning results in approximately 500 deaths and an estimated 20,000 emergency room visits in the United Sates every year. CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. The only way to detect it in your home is with a special carbon monoxide alarm. Symptoms of CO poisoning can happen quickly and mimic flu-like symptoms, so people often think they’re coming down with a virus instead of suspecting CO poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fuel.
Some sources include emissions from:
Los Angeles is a notably dangerous environment for CO buildup. Whenever people try to heat their home with alternative fuels (such as space heaters or BBQs), the risk of CO poisoning increases. CO can build up anywhere in your home.
High levels of exposure can result in loss of consciousness and even death. In the event of CO exposure, it’s essential to get out of the danger area, into fresh air, and if ill to seek immediate medical attention. Dial 9-1-1 if you’re concerned that you or a family member may be exposed to CO.
Because having a working CO alarm in your apartment or home is NOW THE LAW in California, if you have a CO-related accident, you may face fines and your insurance may refuse to pay a claim. Don’t put your family at risk. Install a working CO alarm today.