The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Recent events in our community have reminded us how important even the smallest safety measures can be. Following the incident at the Sunset Center where several children were exposed to carbon monoxide during a rehearsal, many families across Carmel have been thinking more seriously about home safety. Our thoughts are with the students, families and everyone affected by this frightening situation. While the circumstances are still being reviewed, the event highlights something critical - carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless that often goes undetected without proper safeguards in place.

Why Carbon Monoxide Detectors Matter

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels like gas, wood, propane or oil burn incompletely. In homes, it can come from sources such as:

• Furnaces and heating systems
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Gas appliances
• Water heaters
• Attached garages with running vehicles

Because the gas cannot be seen or smelled, a carbon monoxide detector is often the only warning before dangerous levels have a chance to build up to life threatening levels. These devices are simple, affordable, and can make an enormous difference in protecting the people inside a home.

A Small Detail That Can Be Overlooked

During a home purchase, there are so many moving pieces such as inspections, paperwork, financing, and moving logistics that small but important safety items can easily be overlooked. Carbon monoxide detectors are one of those details, and their installation is required by law. That’s why, as part of our process, we install carbon monoxide detectors at every listing we close. It’s a simple step, but one that reflects how much we care about the safety and well-being of our clients. Real estate is not just about transactions or properties—it’s about people, families, and the homes where life happens. Making sure those homes are safe is part of the responsibility we take seriously.

Simple Steps Every Homeowner Can Take

If you’re unsure whether your home is properly equipped, here are a few quick guidelines:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors near the ceiling on every level of the home
• Detectors are available in several different forms including smoke/CO detector combination alarms, plug-ins or alarms that are installed with screws.
• Place them in hallways near sleeping areas and in bedrooms that have gas fireplaces so alarms can be heard at night.
• Test detectors monthly and replace batteries regularly.
• Replace units entirely every 5–7 years, depending on the model.

These small devices provide peace of mind and protection that far outweigh their cost or installation effort.

A Community Reminder

The situation at the Sunset Center serves as an important reminder for all of us. Safety measures that seem minor can have a major impact on your life and the life of your loved ones. If you’re preparing to buy, sell, are renting a VRBO or Airbnb property, or simply reviewing your home’s safety features, it’s worth taking a moment to check that your smoke and CO detectors are installed and functioning properly.