Home Safety
Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Home Safety > Poison Safety > Safety Proofing > In Case of Emergency > Outdoor Safety > Home Safety Checklist
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What's invisible, has no smell, but can kill you? Carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that is absorbed by your bloodstream and eventually causes suffocation. Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of death by poison in the United States, killing almost 4,000 people a year. And it's one of the most dangerous poisons because often people don't know it's there until it's too late.
Carbon monoxide comes from your furnace, boiler, hot water heater, oven, woodstove, fireplace or anything that burns fuel.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to buy a carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to as CO) alarm for your home. If you live in a home that is two stories or more, you might want to purchase two.
Here are some simple steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:
- Make sure your fireplace, chimney, furnace and gas water heater are inspected and cleaned yearly.
- Don't block heating vents and external vents.
- Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
- Never use gas fireplaces or space heaters as main heating sources (these are not meant to replace furnaces or central heating)
- Turn of ovens, space heaters, and other heating appliances before going to bed or leaving your home.
- Never use grills inside the home a closed space.
- Never keep a car running inside an enclosed space like a garage or shed.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can feel much like the flu. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, vision or hearing impairment, and drowsiness. If you notice these symptoms and suspect that carbon monoxide is the cause, you should get fresh air immediately and seek medical help.
Next: Home Safety: Radon
