Entire household must ‘evacuate immediately’ if they hear four beeps

UK households are being told they must ‘evacuate immediately’ if they hear four beeps from one safety device which every home should have.

Carbon monoxide alarms are an essential appliance if you have gas boiler for central heating, as most homes do, or a gas oven or hob.

That’s because carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas which cannot be detected but if left unchecked can cause instant, silent deaths.

Carbon monoxide is a chemical used by boilers and gas ovens to run and is burned inside the system before being turned into harmless and helpful heat to run our radiators or cook our food.

In winter, especially, during snow and ice storms like the ones forecast this week, pipes can freeze and boilers can malfunction, so it’s extremely important to pay attention to your carbon monoxide alarm.

First Alert, which manufactures carbon monoxide alarms, says that if your alarm beeps four times, you should evacuate your house immediately.

It says: “4 Beeps and a Pause: EMERGENCY. This means that carbon monoxide has been detected in the area, you should move to fresh air.”

Property Maintenance Experts ServiceTeam add: “Four beeps and a pause: CO is present. Leave immediately and call emergency services.

“Carbon monoxide can be deadly. If your CO detector keeps chirping, you should leave your home or business immediately and call emergency services. This gas may be present, and it’s important to act quickly.

“If your carbon monoxide (CO) detector beeps four times in a row, pauses, and repeats, it means there are dangerous levels of CO in your home. Here’s what you need to do: 

“Evacuate Immediately: Leave your house right away and get outside for fresh air.

“Keep an eye out for symptoms: Recognise signs such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, which can indicate CO poisoning.

“Call for Help: Once you’re outside and safe, call 999 and inform them of the CO alarm. The emergency services will arrive and take care of the situation.”

It’s also important to check so that you know how your carbon monoxide alarm works and that you know what all of its beeps mean by checking the instructions which came with it.

Many will dismiss beeps as not being important, or being for a low battery, but you should always call 999 if it goes off even for one single carbon monoxide alert.