What should I do when my carbon monoxide detector goes off?

First and foremost, stay calm. As mentioned previously most situations resulting in activation of a carbon monoxide detector are not life-threatening and do not require calling 911.

Determining an Emergency

To determine the need to call 911, ask the following question of everyone in the household:


  • “Does anyone feel ill?
  • "Is anyone experiencing the ‘flu-like’ symptoms of a headache, nausea or dizziness?” 

If the answer to the above by anyone in the household is true, evacuate the household to a safe location and have someone call 911.

Show All Answers

1. What is carbon monoxide?
2. Where should carbon monoxide devices be installed in homes?
3. What should I do when my carbon monoxide detector goes off?