CARBON MONOXIDE

WHATS THE BIG DEAL?

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cant see, smell or taste. It is produced by gas or oil furnaces, space and water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens , woodstoves and other household appliances that run on fossil fuels such as wood, gas, oil or coal.

Why is carbon monoxide so deadly?

When you inhale carbon monoxide can cause brain damage, suffocation or death. Because you cannot see, smell or taste this deadly gas, poisoning can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere. Everyone is at risk but pregnant women, young children, senior citizens and people with heart and lung problems are at greater risk. If your home is well sealed or not well ventilated, the levels of carbon monoxide in the air may easily rise to deadly levels.

Warning signs:

Carbon monoxide poisoning and the flu seem a lot alike at first. Early warning signs of low-level poisoning include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath. Your skin may turn pink or red in response to rising blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and should call 873-2222 as well as talk to your doctor.

Protect yourself:

Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas. There are several types of detectors, including battery-operated and plug-in models. Install the carbon monoxide detector according to manufacturers instructions.

Maintenance:

Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly to make sure it is operating properly.

The owners manual should tell you how to test your alarm. Remember to check the manual for information on when to buy a new carbon monoxide detector.

What should you do if the detector alarm sounds?

If the detector sounds, you and all members of your household should leave your home immediately. From outside the home, call 873-2222. Dont go back inside until the problem has been found and corrected. The Fire Division will inspect your home to find the source of the carbon monoxide.