Nighthawk CO Carbon Monoxide Detector

Are you worried about the health of your family? Does the thought of the odourless, tasteless and invisible carbon monoxide gas fill you with panic and dread? Don't worry - because you can detect this killer gas with one simple product, the nighthawk carbon monoxide detector from Kidde.

This simple little box could mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. It sits quietly in the corner of your room and warns you if a high level of carbon monoxide (CO2) is detected.

Why do you need a carbon monoxide alarm?

Because you cannot see or smell this kind of gas, an alarm is a good idea. Having them around appliances such as boilers, cookers, gas ovens, fires or any other gas burning equipment can help you stay safe. You cannot see or smell a leak from this kind of equipment, so the alarm will be your first line response if there is a problem.

The affects of this gas can range from a mild headache to death.  You may also experience flu like symptoms, convulsions, fits, dizziness and nausea.  Make sure you and your family know the symptoms of this kind of poisoning - before it is too late.

It is recommended that you have one of these detectors on each floor of your property.  If this is not possible, it is vital that you have one on the same floor that you sleep, to minimise any exposure during the night when no action can be taken.  You should also try to have it high up, nearer the ceiling, as this will help with it's ability to detect the gas.

The nighthawk carbon monoxide detector will detect the presence of the gas and emit a loud sound, similar to a smoke alarm.  You will also be able to see flashing warning lights on the unit itself.

If you hear the alarm, you will need to get out of the house as soon as possible and call the emergency services.  Make sure that all people in the house are taken out as longer exposure could be serious.

As with any other smoke alarm, this one should be tested regularly.  As the nighthawk detector is powered using batteries (so it is still operational in a power cut), you will need to ensure it is still working correctly.

There is a test button on the front that you can hold in.  It will sound the alarm which you should be able to hear easily from several rooms away.  You can also lightly vacuum the front of the unit now and again as dust can clog the sensors.

This indicates that the device is running low on power and the AA batteries need to be replaced as soon as possible.

If the LED is constantly red, it means there is a fault with the unit and it will need to be replaced.  Kidde supply this unit with a 5 year warranty, so if there is a fault with it, send it back to where you bought it and ask for a replacement.

This is also an indicator that the device is no longer working or that it has reached the end of it's life.  As time goes on, the chemicals and processes that the nighthawk uses to detect CO2 gas will deteriorate and it will not be as effective.

Time to buy a new one!

• Make sure that everyone in the property leaves immediately.
• Call the emergency services straight away.
• Call a qualified technician to check all of your gas burning appliances for any leaks or faults.
• Make sure that no outlets are blocked, such as flues, chimneys or vents.  This can cause the CO2 to remain inside a property rather than escaping into the air.