Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Know the signs of an expired alarm

Carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas. CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Exposure to CO can cause serious injury and even death.

In 2013, it became required to install CO alarms in all rental housing units in Washington. Washington State law (RCW 19.27.530) requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in new residences and in existing rental properties. Renters are responsible for maintaining the carbon monoxide alarm and replacing batteries as needed. We recommend once a year.

CO alarms should be installed in the area outside of each bedroom, with at least one alarm for each floor of the dwelling. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines on proper installation

CO alarm life span and end-of-life signal

CO alarms have a life expectancy of around 7 years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009 have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. The CO alarm will beep every 30 seconds or display ERR or END.

If a CO alarm is at its end-of-life, replacing the battery will not stop the beep. Some CO alarms have a feature that will silence the signal for 30 days but this will not solve the issue as the CO alarm will continue to beep after the 30 day period ends.

What should renters and property managers know

Property owners and managers should consider replacing all CO alarms that were installed in or before 2013. A CO alarm that signals that it’s at the end of its life should be replaced as well.

Renters should notify their property manager or landlord immediately if their CO alarm is beeping every 30 seconds indicating its end-of-life. All residents should be informed that intermittent beeping CO alarm is not reason to call 9-1-1.

A CO alarm that beeps continuously without stopping could indicate that carbon monoxide is present. If your CO alarm is sounding continuously and you have signs of CO poisoning such as dizziness, headache, vomiting or flu like symptoms, find fresh air and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Learn more:

Seattle Fire Department’s CAM 5121 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements in Residential Occupancies

Carbon Monoxide safety video

Washington State Department of Health CO information

A note about fire extinguishers

Fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are made to put out small fires that do not put you at risk. Prior to attempting to use a fire extinguisher, make sure 911 has been called and your exit is not blocked. 

Fire is unpredictable and can double in size every 30 seconds. Don't spend precious minutes searching for a fire extinguisher. It's better to get out quickly and to call 9-1-1 from a safe location. If there is heavy smoke or if the fire is not contained to a small area, get out, close the door behind you as you leave your unit, alert others of the fire as you evacuate, and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's apartment or from a safe location outside.

Please note: The Seattle Fire Department does not provide fire extinguisher training.

Video showing how to use a fire extinguisher

Fire Code requirements for fire extinguishers

Fire Extinguisher Handout

Apartment fire safety presentations

Schedule an apartment fire safety presentation for building residents and staff.

Topics include:

• How to respond safely to a building fire alarm
• How to respond to a fire inside your apartment
• The top fire hazards and how to prevent them

Request a presentation