Carbon Monoxide Detectors; Household Fire Safety Audit; Fire Escape Planning - DSC PowerSeries PC1616 User Manual

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very
toxic, it also moves freely in the air. CO detectors can meas-
ure the concentration and sound a loud alarm before a po-
tentially harmful level is reached. The human body is most
vulnerable to the effects of CO gas during sleeping hours;
therefore, CO detectors should be located in or as near as
possible to sleeping areas of the home. For maximum pro-
tection, a CO alarm should be located outside primary sleep-
ing areas or on each level of your home. Figure 5 indicates
the suggested locations in the home.
Do NOT place the CO alarm in the following areas:
• Where the temperature may drop below -10ºC or exceed 40ºC
• Near paint thinner fumes
• Within 5 feet (1.5 meter) of open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces
• In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys
• Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the detec-
tor
PLEASE REFER TO THE CO DETECTOR INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUC-
TION SHEET FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION.

Household Fire Safety Audit

Read this section carefully for important information about fire safety.
Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a household fire
safety audit be conducted and a fire escape plan be developed.
1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords, overloaded
lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or
household service, have a professional evaluate these units.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated cool area?
Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.
3. Are fire-hazardous materials (e.g., matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood-burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good working
order? Have a professional evaluate these appliances.

Fire Escape Planning

There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is
thus very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur
at night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are not
painted shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for
rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to perform the res-
cue can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided as well
as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio
doors in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.
18
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
GROUND
FLOOR
BASEMENT
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
Figure 5
GARAGE