Carbon Monoxide: Silent Killer and New Home Security Obsession

Many people choose to install their home security system to prevent possible break-ins and robbery. Perhaps some have thought far enough ahead to integrate smoke detectors and fire alarms with broader home safety systems. Despite all this protection though, home alarm systems are quickly being modified to include specific protection for carbon monoxide poisoning - a silent killer that kills hundreds of people every year across the United States and Canada.

Despite the fear that many people have with regards to a possible home invasion or robbery scenario, the fact is that most encounters aren't likely to be violent. In fact, if the burglar is good at his job - he won't encounter you or your family at all! Professional burglars tend to strike while residents are on vacation or away from their home. They also tend to prey of families that observe the same routine every day. This can allow them to pick the best time to rob a home. And, as mentioned above, they have no interest in meeting you or your children while they rob your home. Your home alarm system is far more likely to save your life as a generalized safety device than a tool strictly for theft prevention.

One of the largest functions of a the modern home security system as a broader safety tool starts with carbon monoxide and fire detection - and prevention. The first thing that families can do to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep furnaces and gas appliances in good repair. The majority of carbon monoxide deaths stem from broken furnaces, heating, or cooking equipment. If the equipment doesn't work - it's time to call a professional. Carbon monoxide will kill in your sleep, so it's critical to get work done as soon as it's discovered, especially when it involves gas.

Modern home alarm, fire alarm and carbon monoxide detection are easily combined into one keypad, allowing owners to have specific control over which parts of the system are armed - and which aren't. Although it's always advisable to leave your system fully armed (if you don't, what are you paying for?), sometimes it's a necessity to bypass a certain room or area of the house. This can eliminate false alarms, and still keep the majority of the home secure.

Another consideration before simply relying on the carbon monoxide detector is the ability of a victim to initiate corrective action after hearing the alarm. Carbon monoxide makes it's victims disoriented, making it difficult to find their ways out of homes and rooms. Children may be even more susceptible. That's why its important that fire and medical emergency personnel are able to notified with one touch should something go wrong.


The folks at Adt security are the leader in home security systems, with a huge variety of equipment to meet every needs. And, with home alarms adt, you can be sure that you're backed by the leader in residential and commercial security in the US.