Carbon Monoxide Safety Tool

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Response Checklist

Use this checklist to review what to do if a CO alarm sounds in an apartment, what not to do, who to call, and what to document afterward.

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Check your CO alarm response plan

Select the items your household already understands. If a CO alarm is sounding now, leave immediately and call emergency services from outside.

Your CO response result

Select the items above, then run the checklist.

Quick answer

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the apartment immediately, get to fresh air, and call emergency services or your local emergency number. Do not stay inside to troubleshoot, silence the alarm, or re-enter until responders say it is safe.

What this checklist can and cannot do

This checklist helps renters prepare a response plan. It does not detect carbon monoxide, inspect appliances, replace emergency instructions, or determine whether a building is safe.

Related CO safety guides

CO alarm response FAQ

Should I call emergency services if a CO alarm sounds?

Yes. Leave the apartment and call emergency services or your local emergency number from outside.

What if the alarm stops?

Do not re-enter just because the sound stops. Wait for responders or qualified professionals to confirm it is safe.

What should I document afterward?

Document the alarm location, time, responder instructions, landlord messages, repair orders, and any alarm replacement details.