Your Essential Carbon Monoxide Safety Checklist

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. It's produced by burning fuel in vehicles, generators, stoves, and other appliances. To protect yourself and your family, follow this straightforward checklist to ensure your home remains safe from CO hazards.

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Place battery-operated or battery-backup CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home. Test the batteries when you change your clocks each spring and fall to ensure they're functioning properly. Replace the detectors every five years or according to the manufacturer's instructions. (cdc.gov)

2. Maintain Fuel-Burning Appliances

Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician annually. Ensure that all appliances are vented properly to prevent CO buildup. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator, have an expert service it immediately. (cdc.gov)

3. Use Appliances Safely

• Generators: Operate generators outdoors, more than 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to avoid CO poisoning. (cdc.gov)

• Charcoal Grills: Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal—red, gray, black, or white—gives off CO. (cdc.gov)

• Portable Gas Camp Stoves: Do not use portable gas camp stoves indoors. (cdc.gov)

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris, which can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin. (cdc.gov)

5. Be Cautious with Vehicles

Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open. Always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car or truck inside. (cdc.gov)

6. Recognize Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. (cdc.gov)

By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to ensuring the safety of your household.

Highlights:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics | Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | CDC, Published on Sunday, January 11
• Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning | US EPA, Published on Monday, October 06
• What about carbon monoxide detectors? | US EPA, Published on Monday, October 06