Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal, which is why every building should have a carbon monoxide detector. Otherwise, this colorless and odorless gas can fill a room before you even realize it. If there’s a leak, keep the following steps in mind to avoid potential health hazards.

How to Address a Carbon Monoxide Leak

1. Respond to the Alarm

If you hear the alarm beeping, you need to respond immediately. If you feel dizzy, you should leave the building immediately. If you feel fine, try to hold your breath and open all the windows in the room to release toxic fumes.

2. Evacuate Your Home

The more time you spend inside the house, the higher your risks become for developing carbon monoxide poisoning. Evacuate your house immediately and help other family members and pets. Once you’re safely outside, call 911 and report the gas leak. Don’t re-enter the building until emergency services tell you the property is safe. 

3. Get Medical Services

Once you’re outside, breathing in clean air will help eliminate any toxins that your lungs could have absorbed. A first responder should determine if you need any medical assistance to treat the gas exposure. They may offer you an oxygen mask to help your body recover.

4. Address the Leak

The gas company should inspect the property to confirm the leak and identify its source. They will need to collaborate with the property owner to organize repairs. Depending on the source of the leak and the severity, this could take a few hours to resolve or several weeks. In the meantime, the gas will be disconnected, and you likely won’t be able to use the furnace, oven range, or any other appliance that relies on gas.

If you have a gas leak, you need to respond immediately to protect your household against carbon monoxide poisoning. Turn to the experts at Action Security & Communications to get alarm monitoring services that will help you avoid dangerous situations and gas exposure. Based in Rochester, NY, the company offers cutting-edge alarms to ensure your safety. For further insights into their surveillance and alert equipment, call (800) 445-1410 or visit the website.