Often known as the 'Silent Killer,' carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is undetectable by human senses. It can be very dangerous and is created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane burn incompletely.
The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District says that heating and cooking equipment that burns these types of fuels are possible sources of CO in a home.
Cars and generators running in garages that are attached to homes can also form dangerous levels of CO for residents.Â
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen from small exposures over some time or in large doses in a short amount of time.
NLTFPD reports that in 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 80,100 non-fire CO incidents, which equates to nine calls per hour.
To bring awareness to residents, NLTFPD offered the following carbon monoxide safety tips:Â
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO—only use outside.
Check your CO alarms today and ensure your home and family are protected. Using these simple steps can save lives.
For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, click here.
