| Carbon Monoxide |
Often
called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is
an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created
when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal,
natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn
incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking
equipment that burn fuel are potential sources
of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators
running in an attached garage can also produce
dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Inside the
home
Install CO
alarms (labeled by a recognized laboratory)
inside your home to provide early warning of
accumulating CO.CO alarms should be
installed in a central location outside each
separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are
spaced apart, each area will need a CO
alarm.
Call your
local fire department's non-emergency number
to find out what number to call if the CO
alarm sounds. Post that number by your
telephone. Make sure everyone in the
household knows the difference between the
fire emergency and CO emergency numbers (if
there is a difference).
Test CO
alarms at least once a month and replace CO
alarms according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
CO alarms
are not substitutes for smoke alarms.
Know the difference between the sound of
smoke alarms and CO alarms.
Have
fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces,
furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal
stoves, space or portable heaters) and
chimneys inspected by a professional every
year before cold weather sets in.
When
purchasing new heating and cooking
equipment, select products tested and
labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
When using a
fireplace, open the flue for adequate
ventilation.
Never use
your oven to heat your home.
When buying
an existing home, have a qualified
technician evaluate the integrity of the
heating and cooking systems, as well as the
sealed spaces between the garage and house.
Outside
the home
If you need
to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage
immediately after starting it. Do not run a
vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine
or motor indoors, even if garage doors are
open.
Generators
should be operated in well-ventilated
locations outdoors away from all doors,
windows and vent openings.
Only use
barbecue grills – which can produce CO –
outside. Never use them in the home, garage
or near building openings.
When
camping, remember to use battery-powered
lights in tents trailers, and motor homes.
If your CO alarm sounds
Immediately move to a fresh air location
outdoors or by an open window or door, and
call for help. Remain at the fresh air
location until emergency personnel say it is
ok.
If the
audible trouble signal sounds, check for low
batteries or other trouble indicators.
Call a
qualified technician to determine the source
of the CO. Have equipment serviced
immediately.
Source: NFPA
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