Natural gas appliances are typically very safe to use. But a malfunctioning appliance can create and release carbon monoxide gas into your home, which can be deadly. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from this colorless, odorless gas:

• Be aware of what can cause a carbon monoxide buildup. Carbon monoxide is produced when natural gas, propane or other fossil fuels fail to burn completely. This can be caused accidentally by a variety of sources in your home, including gas logs, furnace boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, gas stoves, and running a car engine in an enclosed space like a garage.
• Be sure your natural gas appliances are inspected regularly by a licensed contractor to ensure that they are functioning properly, and repair any malfunctioning appliances immediately.
• Equip your home with carbon monoxide alarms to detect presence of the poisonous gas and provide early warning. If there is a carbon monoxide leak, you need to get to fresh air as soon as possible, so every second counts.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, queasy stomach and drowsiness. Continued exposure can cause death.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

• The flame in a gas appliance generally should be blue, possibly with flecks of orange. If the flame is mostly yellow, that indicates that the gas is not completely burning and is giving off carbon monoxide.
• Never store items in, on or around a gas appliance in a way that might obstruct air flow to the appliance.
• Forced-air furnaces generally have a filter that cleans the air before heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check the filter regularly and clean or replace when necessary.
• When installing a new or cleaned filter, properly re-install the front panel door of the furnace so it fits snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front panel door properly in place, as dangerous gases may escape.
• Make sure your furnace and water heater are inspected annually by a professional heating contractor. Be sure to clean or replace your furnace filter throughout the heating season, and check your chimney or dryer vent for blockages.
• Check for signs of improper venting, such as soot around the appliance or moisture on the inside of windows when the appliance is operating.
• Vacuum regularly around the furnace, especially around the burner compartment, to prevent a buildup of dust and lint.
• Be safe – install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.
• Use only space heaters approved by local fire codes and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using a vent-free heater, always crack a window or exterior door for ventilation.
• Never use a portable barbecue or hibachi as a home heater. They produce carbon monoxide, are not properly insulated and can easily overturn.
• Don't use a gas range, oven or clothes dryer for heating.
• Keep all vents and chimneys clear of debris and other blockages.
• Don't line oven or range burners with foil, as you may block a vent.
• Check fireplaces for closed or blocked flues.
• Get your chimney inspected, swept and cleaned as needed.
• Make sure your exterior dryer vent is free of lint.
• Do not leave a car running in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Never use a propane or kerosene heater indoors without proper ventilation.
• Periodically check range pilots for carbon build-up.