By Abigail Roberts
The Stanford Fire Department (SFD) is warning residents about purchasing faulty carbon monoxide detectors online after responding to several local incidents during which the devices failed.
SFD Fire Chief Scott Maples said this week that the department has had several calls in relation to these devices.
“The cheap ones that have been bought online that are not UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed, and these detectors have either not alarmed when they should or have made false alarms,” Maples said.
While major retailers state that carbon monoxide alarms must meet UL 2034 safety standards, off-brand and low-cost detectors – often sold by third-party sellers – continue to reach consumers despite lacking proper certifications, Maples said.
“The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued multiple warnings about specific detectors that failed to alarm at dangerously high carbon monoxide levels,” he said.
Some of the carbon monoxide calls Stanford firefighters have responded to ended in medical emergencies, he said.
“Over the past few months, Stanford firefighters have responded to several carbon monoxide incidents where detectors failed or falsely activated, with some calls resulting in medical emergencies due to carbon monoxide poisoning,” Maples said.
Maples said carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and deadly and a properly certified detector can save lives.
“Residents are urged to verify that their detectors display a legitimate UL listing, come from reputable manufacturers and are installed on every level of the home and near sleeping areas,” he said.
For more information visit https://www.ul.com/look-ul-safety-mark-you-buy
