Carbon Monoxide Safety

Protect your family from the silent killer

What is Carbon Monoxide?

  • • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly.
  • • CO is produced by burning fuel in cars, trucks, generators, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, furnaces, and gas ranges.
  • • CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
  • • More than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning each year.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

CO poisoning symptoms are often described as "flu-like" and include:

Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea
Vomiting
Confusion

If you suspect CO poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and call 911!

CO Alarm Installation

  • Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions for placement—some mount high, others low on walls.
  • Choose interconnected alarms so when one sounds, they all sound.
  • Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries annually (or when they chirp).
  • Replace CO alarms every 5-7 years or per manufacturer instructions.

Prevention Tips

Heating Equipment

Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas/oil/coal burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified technician.

Generators

Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage. Keep it at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

Vehicles

Never run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even with the garage door open.

Grills & Stoves

Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Never use a charcoal grill, camp stove, or gas-powered equipment indoors.

If Your CO Alarm Sounds

  1. 1 Immediately move to fresh air—go outdoors or open windows and doors.
  2. 2 Call 911 once you're in fresh air.
  3. 3 Do a head count to make sure everyone is accounted for.
  4. 4 Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders say it's safe.
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Content source: CDC and National Fire Protection Association