The Pella Fire Department is encouraging all area residents to keep up-to-date with carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkom says the department has responded to several calls recently for detectors going off at homes, only to discover an aging or faulty detector was the reason behind the alarm. Van Gorkom says carbon monoxide detectors have a limited shelf-life, depending on the brand, and they are too critical of a safety feature to leave unchecked. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious illness or death to people and animals if inhaled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend changing the batteries at the same time as a smoke detector every six months, and to get a new CO detector every five years. CO is created from burning fuels, and the fumes most commonly come from furnaces, vehicles, stoves, and fireplaces.