Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. The incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels produces this very dangerous by-product. Applied fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum, oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce carbon monoxide. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide, as well as a running vehicle engine.

Every year, over 200 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room space heaters). Others die from carbon monoxide produced by vehicles left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Use the test button on your detector/alarm. In some units this will only test whether the circuitry is working. Check your manufacturer's instructions, if your units will only tests the circuitry you may be able to buy a separate test kit, which tests the carbon monoxide sensor inside the alarm.

Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Make sure appliances are installed to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes.

Have the heating system inspected and serviced annually.

Install a carbon monoxide detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.

Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.

Never service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skills, and tools.

Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.

Never operate un-vented fuel-burning appliance in any room with closed doors or windows in any room where people are sleeping.

Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engine indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and place engine unit to exhaust outdoors.

What to do if you experience symptoms:

• Get fresh air immediately.
• Open windows and doors for more ventilation.
• Turn off any combustion appliance and leave the house.
• Call 9-1-1 and report your symptoms.
• Contact your doctor immediately.

• Never ignore the alarm.
• Operate the reset button.
• Call 9-1-1.
• Immediately move to fresh air outdoors or by an open door/windows.