How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and almost odorless gas. It can be poisonous to people and animals. This gas comes from the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, or gas fuels. This gas is produced in everything from home furnaces to automobiles to outdoor grills.

Learn the Symptoms

Carbon Monoxide has no odor, color, or taste. Often the only way to know if you are in danger of being poisoned is if you know these warning signs:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Difficulty waking from sleep
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Impaired vision
• Confusion

The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are like the flu but without fever. Get to fresh air right away. If symptoms get better, you may have Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Buy and install (UL-listed) Carbon Monoxide alarms.
       - Install alarms in every hallway near a sleeping area.
       - Make sure it remains uncovered at all times.
       - Install additional units in boats, recreational vehicles
         and campers.
       - Check and replace batteries regularly.
   
   
2. Have a professional check all appliances to make sure they are installed correctly.
   
   
3. Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected by a professional.
   
   
4. Never burn charcoal indoors.
   
   
5. Do not use portable camping equipment indoors.
   
   
6. Always turn off any gas-powered motors (cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers, etc.) in a garage area, even if door is open.
   
   
7. Always contact a professional to make any service or adjustments to fueled appliances.
   
   
8. Never use gas appliances (stove, dryer, oven, etc.) to heat your home unless they are specifically made to do so, such as gas heaters.
   
   
9. Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
   
   
10. Always ensure flues are set to the open position when using any fireplace.

Reacting to an Emergency

If your Carbon Monoxide detector sounds, treat it as a real emergency every time. Follow these steps:

1. Reset the alarm.
   
   
2. Check for symptoms. If they are present, get to fresh air right away. Open doors and windows to clear the gas.
   
   
3. If the alarm continues to sound, call the fire department.
   
   
4. Call a professional to inspect your home for Carbon Monoxide leaks.

For more information, contact your local fire department and check "Are You Ready?" from FEMA.