How can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?
- Immediately exit any area suspected of containing a buildup of CO and seek out fresh air.
- Have fuel-burning appliances and venting inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of each heating season. This includes:
- Oil and gas furnaces.
- Gas water heaters.
- Gas ranges and ovens.
- Gas dryers.
- Gas or kerosene space heaters.
- Fireplaces.
- Wood stoves.
- Inspection of flues and chimneys for blockage or cracking.
- Choose appliances that vent fumes to the outside. Make sure they are properly installed and maintained.
- Follow all instructions that come with any fuel-burning appliance.
- If an unvented gas or kerosene space heater must be used, make sure to use the proper fuel, keep doors inside the rest of the home open and crack a window to provide for air ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
- Install a CO detector inside the home as a backup to the above steps. Be aware that some models may not perform as well as others. Do research on the various models available before purchasing.
- After installation, test a CO detector periodically to make sure it remains in good working condition.
The following is a list of DON’Ts:
- Do not idle a car or truck inside a garage, even with the garage door open. Fumes build up quickly and can also seep into the home if it is attached to the garage.
- Do not use a gas oven or clothes dryer as a heating source, even for a short time.
- Do not use a charcoal grill indoors, even in the fireplace.
- Do not sleep in a room that has an unvented kerosene or gas space heater.
- Do not operate small gasoline-powered engines (such as lawn mowers, power washers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chainsaws or generators) in enclosed areas.