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Protecting Your Home and Family from the Silent Threat
Build awareness on ways to protect your home and family from the invisible threat of carbon monoxide.
This article is about:
With the onset of winter, it's important to stress the significance of home carbon monoxide (CO) safety. While natural gas appliances are typically safe, a malfunctioning appliance can accidentally create and release CO, an odorless and colorless gas known as the "silent killer." Carbon monoxide is produced when natural gas, propane, or other fossil fuels fail to burn completely and can come from a variety of sources within the home, including gas logs, furnace boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, gas stoves, or running a car engine in an enclosed space like a garage.
Knowing how to detect and prevent carbon monoxide is vital to keeping you and your family safe this winter.
Safety experts emphasize the use of carbon monoxide detectors as a primary defense. Detectors should be installed on every level of the home, particularly near sleeping areas, and tested regularly to ensure they are functional. Batteries should be replaced every six months or as needed.
The CDC and the National Safety Council recommend annual servicing of all gas, propane, or other fossil fuel-burning appliances by a qualified technician. You should never use generators, grills, and other gas-powered devices indoors or less than 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents.
During snowstorms, it's critical to clear snow from vents and flues to prevent CO buildup. Appliances such as gas ovens or stoves should not be used for heating and only use space heaters approved by local fire codes and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Should a CO detector alarm sound, or if poisoning is suspected, the following steps are advised:
CO poisoning typically occurs from breathing in CO at excessive levels. Symptoms of CO poisoning mirror those of the flu, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to unconsciousness or death, particularly in those who are sleeping or intoxicated, who may not be aware of warning signs.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms, and taking proactive safety measures can help safeguard your household against this invisible threat.
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