Carbon Monoxide

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Use CO alarms. Place a CO alarm on every floor of your house, especially near any room where people sleep. If the alarm goes off, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous
• Check the batteries. Check or replace the batteries in your alarms when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall
• Get appliances serviced. Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, wood or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
• Don’t leave vehicles idling. If your garage is attached to your home, don’t leave your car or truck idling inside—even if the garage door is open

Preventing CO Poisoning During a Power Outage

• Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, kerosene, propane or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window
• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented to the outside air