Where should CO detectors be placed in homes?

• A. Place in the kitchen
• B. Place near the bedrooms
• C. Place outside sleeping areas and on each level; test regularly and replace per guidance; maintain units.
• D. Place in the attic

Answer: (C)

Detectors must cover the areas where people live and sleep so alerts happen quickly, even if someone is asleep. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color, so you rely on detectors to warn you before CO levels become dangerous. Placing a detector outside sleeping areas ensures waking alerts, and having detectors on each level catches CO no matter where it is produced in the home. Locations like kitchens or attics aren’t ideal because they can cause nuisance alarms or fail to protect living spaces if CO is coming from another part of the house. Regular testing and following the manufacturer’s replacement guidance keep sensors accurate and reliable, and maintaining the units—replacing batteries when needed and replacing the unit at the end of its life—helps ensure ongoing protection.