Make your travels CO-safe

(BPT) – Safety while traveling is just as important as it is at home. Whether heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, travelers far and wide are seeking relaxation and a chance to make memories and enjoy new experiences. Some simple precautions can help ensure your destination is as safe as your own home.One consideration that may slip through the cracks for 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 by fuel-burning appliances and devices such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces and more, so it is critical to be prepared.“There are many things to think about during an adventure, but safety from CO exposure shouldn’t be one of them,” said Ashley Gocken, a home safety expert with First Alert, a leader in residential fire safety. “One easy step is packing a CO alarm while traveling to help protect you and your loved ones from CO while away from home.”No matter your destination, the First Alert 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm makes an ideal travel companion. Its compact, stylish design makes it easy to pack when traveling, and no installation is required — you simply place it on a tabletop. Here are a few ways to incorporate 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 reliance on propane. While it’s important to regularly check propane burning appliances like refrigerators, hot water heaters and stoves/ovens for leaks, having a CO alarm is also essential for propane safety. Keeping a CO alarm in both the cab and the living space of an RV can help you detect potential issues right away, so you and your family are alerted to CO.Hotel Rooms: Once arriving at your hotel room, regardless of the length of your stay, check to see if your room has a CO alarm. Many hotels in the U.S. do not require CO alarms in guest rooms. Even if your room does have one, it may not be clear when it was last checked or changed — so make sure to bring your CO alarm to offer added peace of mind.Rented Homes/Rooms: Booking accommodation through private rental companies and individuals is a great way to experience a different side of your destination — but there can be a lot of 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.Staying With Friends or Family: It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re around friends or in a familiar place, but a CO alarm is an easy way to add extra peace of mind. If you notice your hosts don’t have smoke and/or CO alarms in their home, share the benefits of having reliable protection to help them protect what matters most.For more information about CO travel safety, visit firstalert.com.