What to do if carbon monoxide is detected

Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible and odorless. If your Google Nest Protect alerts you to carbon monoxide in your home and tells you to move to a safer area, you should immediately go to a safe, fresh-air location.

Helpful information on what to do if an alarm sounds is available anytime on your Nest app . If your alarm is connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll also receive a push notification from Nest app or Google Home app  with these instructions during the emergency.

The U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that, "The activation of your carbon monoxide alarm indicates the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), which can be fatal" According to the NFPA, here’s what you should do if CO is detected in your home.

If an alarm signal sounds:

1. Operate the silence or reset button (press the button on Nest Protect).
2. Call your emergency services (fire department or 911).
3. Immediately move to fresh air, such as outdoors or near an open door or window. Conduct a headcount to ensure that all persons are accounted for. Don’t reenter the premises nor move away from the open door or window until the emergency responders arrive, the premises have been aired out, and the alarm returns to its normal condition.

Important

• After following steps 1 - 3, if your alarm reactivates within a 24 hour period, repeat steps 1 - 3 and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate for sources of CO from fuel burning equipment and appliances, and to inspect the proper operation of this equipment.
• If any problems are identified during this inspection, have the equipment serviced immediately. 
• Take note of any combustion equipment not inspected by the technician and consult the manufacturers' instructions or contact the manufacturers directly, for more information about CO safety and this equipment. 
• Make sure that motor vehicles are not, and have not been, operating in an attached garage or adjacent to the residence.

This information is also available as a label provided in the packaging. Stick this label in a spot where everyone can see it, like the refrigerator.

Be prepared with What To Do in the Nest app

What To Do gives you useful advice on how to prepare for an emergency ahead of time.

Learn about the Nest app’s What to Do feature