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Home Support What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off

What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off

CO Safety

11 June 2025

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels like gas, oil, wood, or coal. Common household appliances such as boilers, gas cookers, and fireplaces can emit CO if not properly maintained. Because CO is undetectable by human senses, alarms are essential for early warning. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Knowing what to do next is crucial for protecting you and your family.

What to do when your Carbon Monoxide Alarm is going off

Follow these steps immediately if your carbon monoxide alarm is beeping:

  1. Open all windows and doors to ventilate the area.
  2. Turn off all fuel-burning appliances like gas cookers, boilers, or fires.
  3. Evacuate the property immediately—ensure everyone gets to fresh air quickly.
  4. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
  5. Seek medical advice if anyone is experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, or confusion.
  6. Do not re-enter the property until emergency services or a Gas Safe engineer confirms it’s safe.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

Look out for the following symptoms of CO poisoning:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Breathlessness
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness

If you or anyone else is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Call 999 if symptoms are severe or worsening, and inform them you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

carbon monoxide beeping digital display alarm

Why is my Carbon Monoxide Alarm beeping?

Your carbon monoxide alarm may beep for a range of reasons, from a dangerous CO leak to a low battery or an expired device. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the sound patterns in your alarm’s user manual or on our icon identifier guide. Don’t ignore the beeping, understand what each pattern means and act fast.

How do I turn my Carbon Monoxide Alarm off?

If your alarm is sounding due to a false alarm or after a confirmed issue has been resolved, you may need to silence it. For battery powered alarms, press the test/reset button on the front. If it continues to beep, replace the battery or the alarm if expired. Always consult your specific model’s instructions and never silence an alarm without investigating the cause first.

Explore FireAngel’s range of carbon monoxide alarms to stay protected:

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