Carbon Monoxide (CO) is invisible, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas. It causes about 300 accidental fatalities in homes each year; thousands more are treated in hospitals for CO poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning exposure include: headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and confused thinking (victims do not think clearly enough to get assistance). Without treatment, the victim will lose consciousness, and lose their life if not helped. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels.

Common causes include:

• Faulty gas or oil furnaces and water heaters
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually
• Cracked chimney flues
• Indoor use of charcoal grills
• Use of a gas oven or range to warm a room
• Running a car in an enclosed area
• Closing the fireplace damper before the fire is completely out

Carbon monoxide accidents are preventable. Actions you should take to protect your family include:

• Have a qualified technician inspect your gas furnace and appliances.
• Never allow your car to run in an enclosed area, especially if it is attached to your house.
• Make sure your fireplace is in good repair and do not close the damper before the fire is out.
• Install CO alarms to give your family a warning if CO is building up in your house.

Carbon Monoxide alarms can be purchased at many local hardware stores. Ensure the alarm that you purchase has an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Carbon Monoxide alarms should be located on every floor and mounted according to the manufacture's instructions. If the alarm goes off, everyone should get out of the house at once and call 911 from a neighbor's house. Do not ventilate your house by opening doors and windows. When fire department personnel arrive they will obtain CO readings in different areas of your home to determine the source of the leak.

If you have questions about your gas furnaces or appliance, contact your gas company. If your CO alarm gives a warning signal, get out of the house and call 911 from a neighbor's house.