Carbon monoxide detectors are an essential piece of life saving equipment that every home should have. The importance of carbon monoxide detectors and alarms cannot be underestimated, especially when you consider that of the 50 deaths or so caused by carbon monoxide (CO) annually, many, if not all, could have been prevented if a carbon monoxide alarm or detector were in use.

Carbon monoxide has earned the nickname of 'the silent killer', which gives some indication of why CO detectors are so vital for your safety. These detectors do what the human body can't - they detect and warn of leakages of this toxic gas that are otherwise imperceptible. Unlike some other gases, you can't smell carbon monoxide, as it is entirely without odour - it is not visible and it has no taste, so a CO detector and alarm is the only way to warn you and your family if something has gone wrong.

Perhaps just as scary is the fact that, prior to its potentially fatal consequences, carbon monoxide poisoning creates symptoms that are very similar to influenza (the flu) - so somebody in your family could be suffering from the effects and you wouldn't even attribute the signs to the real cause. This makes this gas even more deadly and is another good reason why you should install a CO detector in your house.

There are a wide range of CO detectors and alarms available to purchase and you can even buy them online. They are not expensive and you can find all types depending on where you need to install them - there are battery powered detectors, or plug-in, mains powered detectors if you have access to an unused power point near your appliance. For additional peace of mind, you can even purchase portable, battery operated CO detectors and alarms that you can take away with you when you travel, so you don't have to rely on your hosts or accommodation managers for your personal safety. If you have children, a portable CO alarm could be one of the most valuable yet inexpensive purchases you ever make.

In addition to buying a CO detector or CO alarm, you should also make sure that you have all of your gas appliances checked by a qualified engineer every year, without fail. Blockages or damage to gas ovens, boilers and fires can cause a dangerous leak that could have disastrous consequences. You should also ensure that you check your CO detector regularly and replace batteries, if required, immediately. Don't leave it to chance - these simple measures could quite literally mean the difference between life and death. If you don't already have carbon monoxide alarms in your house, located close to each of your gas appliances, go and buy one today.

Further information is available on a range of Carbon Monoxide Detectors including the latest CO Detectors & Alarms.

Related articles

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Defence Against The Silent Killer
• The Different Types Of Sailing Equipment
• Carbon Monoxide Dangers: Prevention
• LED Bulbs - How The Ultimate Energy Saving LED Bulb Will Stop You From Wasting Your Time And Money
• What Should You Select For Your House? Linoleum Flooring VS Hardwood Flooring