According to the National Fire Protection Association cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries. That is why it is so important to ensure that your CO detectors and smoke detectors are up to date, placed according to code, and tested regularly.
The placement of CO Detectors can also be important for early detection of carbon monoxide fumes. In the Minnesota State Statutes, it states that a CO Detector must be installed within 12 to 25 feet of carbon monoxide-producing appliance fixtures. Heeding these state codes is important to make sure that you and your family stay safe in the event of an emergency, or fire within the kitchen.
CO Detectors are only good for up to ten years but follow your manufacturer’s instructions on when to replace them. Regardless of changing the batteries CO detectors must be fully replaced after the manufacturer's allotted time. If your CO Detector is installed and under the ten-year mark the test button helps you ensure that the unit is receiving power from the battery or hardwired sources.
Fire prevention is an important part of owning a home and with a little maintenance on your CO Detectors, it can make a large difference in preventing emergencies. Keep up to date with this by scheduling maintenance or calling one of AMi’s Trusted Electricians to give you and your family peace of mind.