(BPT) – Safety while traveling is just as important as at home. Whether they’re heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, travelers the world over are looking for relaxation and a chance to make memories and have new experiences. A few simple precautions can help ensure that your destination is as safe as your own home.
A consideration that may go unnoticed by many travelers is the threat of carbon monoxide (CO): an odorless, invisible, and poisonous gas that can only be detected by carbon monoxide alarms. CO can be emitted from fuel-burning appliances and appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces and more, so it’s essential to be prepared.
“There are a lot of things to think about during an adventure, but safety from CO exposure shouldn’t be one of them,” said Ashley Gocken, home safety expert at First Alert, a leader in residential fire safety. “An easy step is to pack a CO alarm on a trip to protect you and your loved ones from CO when you’re away from home.”
Whatever your destination, the First Alert 10-Year Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an ideal travel companion. Its compact and sleek design makes it easy to store on the go and no setup required – just place it on a table. Here are some ways to integrate your CO alarm:
- Recreational vehicles: RVs offer the best of both worlds: transportation and accommodation. However, having a full kitchen and bathroom on wheels often means a propane addiction. While it’s important to regularly check propane-burning appliances like refrigerators, water heaters, and stoves/ovens for leaks, having a CO alarm is also essential for propane safety. Keeping a CO alarm in the cabin and living space of an RV can help you spot potential problems immediately, so you and your family are alerted to CO.
- Hotel rooms: Once you arrive in your hotel room, regardless of the length of your stay, check to see if your room is equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm. Many hotels in the United States do not require in-room carbon monoxide alarms. Even if your room has one, you may not know when it was last checked or changed – so be sure to bring your CO alarm to provide added peace of mind.
- Rented houses/rooms: Booking accommodation through private rental companies and individuals is a great way to experience a different side to your destination, but there can be many variables when booking a private space. Given the uncertainty that comes with this type of travel, it’s best to pack your own CO alarm for added safety.
- Stay with friends or family: It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re with friends or in a familiar place, but a CO alarm is an easy way to add extra peace of mind. If you notice that your hosts don’t have smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms in their home, share the benefits of having reliable protection to help them protect what matters most.
For more information on CO travel safety, visit firstalert.com.
