Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas. Any time an appliance that burns wood or fuel isn't working properly or isn't in a ventilated area, CO is made. Breathing CO can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Left untreated, CO poisoning can lead to comas, heart attacks and even death.
While early symptoms mimic the flu, take precaution if you've recently used a furnace or generator and are suddenly feeling ill. Other warning signs to look out for are if all family members fall ill at the same time or if symptoms improve when you are out of your home.
To help prevent CO poisoning in your home...
- Get a battery-operated CO detector for your home. Be sure to check and replace the batteries on a regular basis. An easy way to remember is to check the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time. Replace all CO detectors every 5 years.
- All furnaces, wood stoves, heaters and chimneys should be checked by a certified technician annually.
- Save the barbecuing for warmer months outside. Never use a BBQ grill inside or in a garage.
- Winter storm caused a power outage at your house? Only use gasoline-powered generators outside and keep them away from windows and vents. Generators should be placed at least 25 feet from your house.
- Never use gas ovens to heat your home.
- Stuck out in the cold in your car? Make sure snow isn't blocking your exhaust pipe if you're sitting in the car with the engine running.
