Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas. It is produced when fuels such as gasoline,
fuel oil, propane, kerosene, natural gas, coal and wood do not have an adequate oxygen supply to properly burn.
CO could pose a deadly threat to you and your family. If you suspect CO in your home, leave and call 911 immediately.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Get everyone out of the building and into fresh air immediately.
- Call 911 or emergency medical help.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Sudden flu-like illness
- Dizziness, headache, confusion, sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fluttering or throbbing heart beat
- Unconsciousness
To prevent CO poisoning:
- Be alert for symptoms of CO poisoning.
- Install and maintain CO alarms and replace every five to seven years.
- Never operate internal combustion engines indoors.
- Never use charcoal grills indoors.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances, flues, vents and chimneys checked regularly.
CO alarms
Make sure your home is equipped with working CO alarms.
- In two-story homes, install at least one alarm on each level.
- For added safety, consider installing alarms in each bedroom.
- With basements, install alarm at the top of stairs.
- Change alarm batteries at the beginning of winter, then every six months.
- CO alarm life expectancy is around seven years. One that chirps intermittently every 30-60 seconds could be at the end of its life.
- Alarms that beep continuously could indicate CO is present. When it beeps without pause, get everyone out and call 911.
