Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Carbon monoxide is produced anywhere that fuel is burned and is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. It is an odorless, tasteless and invisible killer, and the ONLY safe way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms range in price from $20 to $50 depending on additional features.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital. Other safety tips include:

• Make sure chimneys and vents are checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections.

• Open flues completely when fireplaces are in use.

• Use proper fuel in space heaters.

• Never burn charcoal or a barbecue grill inside a home or enclosed space.

• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, or vehicle

• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.

• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.

• Never use the kitchen stove for heating a house.

• Never run a gas powered generator in a garage, basement, or near any overhang on the home. Keep it at a distance.