Smoke Alarms vs. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Why Both Matter

When it comes to keeping your family safe, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms play very different, but equally important, roles.

Many people assume these devices do the same thing. In reality, each is designed to detect a different danger, and understanding the difference can help protect your household in an emergency.

What Does a Smoke Alarm Do?
A smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke from a fire.

Because smoke often appears before flames spread throughout a home, smoke alarms provide an early warning that gives occupants time to evacuate and call emergency services.
All GGHRA properties are equipped with smoke alarms because every home is at risk of fire.
Smoke alarms:

• Detect smoke from a fire.
  
• Provide an early warning of danger.
  
• Give residents valuable time to evacuate.
  
• Help reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.

What Does a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Do?
A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm detects carbon monoxide gas, which cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Carbon monoxide can be produced by fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves, gas heaters, and other gas-powered equipment. Because the gas is invisible and odorless, people may not realize they are being exposed until symptoms appear.
Properties with gas stoves or gas heaters are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms to provide an early warning if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected.

Carbon monoxide alarms:

• Detect dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
• Alert residents before exposure becomes life-threatening.
• Help protect families from a hazard that cannot be detected by human senses.

What Should You Do If an Alarm Sounds?
Whether it is a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm, take every alarm seriously.

If an alarm sounds:

1. Exit the property immediately.
2. Move to a safe location outside.
3. Call 911.
4. Do not re-enter the property until emergency personnel determine it is safe.

Never assume an alarm is malfunctioning or ignore repeated alerts.

Battery Maintenance
GGHRA staff are responsible for changing alarm batteries and maintaining alarm systems in our properties.
If you believe an alarm is not working properly, please contact management immediately so it can be inspected.

Do Not Tamper With Safety Devices
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are critical life-safety equipment. Disabling, removing, covering, or tampering with these devices puts everyone in the household at risk.
Please remember that tampering with safety devices is a violation of your lease and may result in fines or other enforcement actions.

Safety Starts at Home
These alarms may seem small, but they serve a big purpose. Smoke alarms protect against fire, while carbon monoxide alarms protect against a dangerous invisible gas. Together, they help keep residents safe and provide peace of mind for families throughout our communities.
If you have questions about the alarms in your home, please contact the GGHRA office. We're committed to helping residents stay informed, safe, and protected.

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