Traveling near or far: Add safety to your packing list

(BPT) – While it might not be the first item on your packing list, safety while traveling is just as important as it is at home. Whether heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, staying in a hotel or enjoying the campground, simple precautions can help you enjoy your vacation safely from departure to return or check-in to check-out.One consideration that may slip through the cracks for many travelers is the threat of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible and poisonous gas. CO can be emitted by fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces, grills and more, and it can only be detected by a CO alarm. Organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend travelers pack a carbon monoxide alarm, as recent tragic news stories have reported on travelers exposed to deadly levels of this dangerous gas.First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, now of Resideo Technologies, Inc., offers the following tips to incorporate CO safety into your next trip, no matter the accommodations you choose.1. 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. Not all states and cities require CO alarms in hotel guest rooms. Even if your room does have one, it may not be clear when it was last checked or replaced. Bringing your own CO alarm may give you added peace of mind.2. 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 of available safety amenities that can come with this type of travel, it’s best to pack your own CO alarm for added safety. The First Alert 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm makes an ideal travel companion. Its compact design makes it easy to pack, and it requires no installation — you simply place it on a tabletop.3. Staying with Friends or Family It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re in a familiar place. If you notice your hosts don’t have smoke and/or CO alarms in their home, share the benefits of having reliable protection and consider an alarm as a host gift.4. Recreational VehiclesRecreational 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. When you purchase a CO alarm for your motor home or campervan, ensure it is RV certified.5. Cruise Ships Although cruise ships typically have safety measures in place, such as well-maintained ventilation systems, accidents or malfunctions can still occur. A travel CO alarm provides an additional layer of protection, alerting you to any CO leaks in your cabin or nearby areas. Check with your cruise line to determine if devices with lithium-ion batteries are permitted onboard. Many other alarm options with standard AA or 9V batteries are available, too, so you can sail the high seas with greater peace of mind.For more information about CO safety, please visit firstalert.com.*2023 First Alert Brand Trust Survey