Start the new year safely with CO detectors
Carbon monoxide incidents increase in winter when the level of the colorless, odorless, poisonous gas builds up inside a place where human beings are spending time.
Carbon monoxide comes from incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, coal and gasoline. But it doesn't only come from furnaces; running the car in the garage, even with the garage door open, can cause carbon monoxide levels inside a home to build up to detectable levels.
A law passed in 2005 can help prevent fatalities. Carbon monoxide detectors, like smoke detectors, sound off when levels of carbon monoxide build up in homes. Like smoke detectors, they are now required, particularly in areas where residents sleep and might not notice the effects of the gas - headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. In advanced stages, the effects can cause death.
Homeowners should install CO detectors on every habitable level of their home, and especially within 10 feet of bedroom doors. An inspection is required to be sure that CO and smoke detectors have been installed before residences can be sold.
Residents are advised to maintain their carbon monoxide detectors in good working order, keeping them clean according to manufacturer's instructions and replacing batteries regularly.
If a detector goes off, residents should call the fire department and leave their homes until experts can detect the problem and make sure the home is safe before they return.