Top 3 Carbon Monoxide Safety Steps

Know what to do if you suspect this dangerous gas is making its way into your home.

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), which is what makes the gas so dangerous. At high levels, it can kill someone in minutes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here are three important steps to take to keep your family safe.

1. Take care of fuel-burning appliances.
   To keep CO from building up, make an annual appointment to have fuel-burning appliances inspected by certified technicians. Then, be sure you’re using the appliances properly. For example, no one should sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater. You also shouldn’t use a gas oven to heat your home or use a charcoal grill indoors.
    
   Be sure debris—and, in cold climates, snow—doesn’t block the vents for your dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace. Never let your car idle in the garage, even if the outside door is open.
    
2. Install CO detectors.
   The number of CO detectors and their placement differ depending on the size and arrangement of your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure they are installed properly. These detectors alert you when the gas builds up to unsafe levels in your home, so you need to take quick action if one of the alarms sounds.
    
   Also, pay close attention if one or more members of your family experience symptoms of CO poisoning. These include unexplained headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea, which can quickly escalate to confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
    
3. Get out of the house.
   If a CO alarm sounds or you feel or see CO poisoning symptoms, treat it like there’s a fire. Leave the house right away. Once you’re outside, take a head count.
    
   Go to a neighbor’s house and call 911 or the emergency number for your local fire department. The responders will test and clear your home. They may also send you to the emergency room for blood tests. If these tests are conducted soon enough, they can detect CO—and help you get the quick treatment you need.
    
   Don’t go back into the house until emergency responders test the air and say it’s safe, then have your fuel-burning appliances inspected again.