Safety Made Simple

Potential CO Dangers in Your Home

CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators, and car exhaust fumes
CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America and many countries.
Most of CO poisoning deaths at home are due to water heaters and heating systems.
An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home through the garage door or nearby windows.
A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of CO than one in good working order.

Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?
Replace CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.
Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.