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When these appliances are in good working condition with
proper ventilation, lethal carbon monoxide gas is vented outdoors where it quick-
ly disperses. But even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of these sources
can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home that can become dead-
ly before you’d even know it’s there.
And you don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a problem. Today’s more
energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO-polluted air inside where it can
quickly build to lethal levels.
What Can You do to Protect Your Family?
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-burning
appliances and their chimneys and vents in good working condition. Learn the
early symptoms of exposure, and if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning,
move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood test can confirm that
CO caused the problem.
Your first line of defense is an annual inspection and regular maintenance of
your appliances. Contact a licensed contractor or call your local utility company
for assistance.
But remember, problems can begin after an inspection is over, like a crack in a
furnace heat exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent, a bird’s nest blocking
a flue or other sources that are nearly impossible to detect: That’s why you need
the 24-hour protection provided by a CO alarm.
Home Safety Tips
What You Can Do...
• Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the outdoors,
whenever possible.
• Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions
and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals
and should be inspected by the proper authority after installation.
• Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a
qualified technician every year.
• Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all fuel-burning appli-
ances.
• Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections, visible rust
or stains.
• Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use, and pro-
vide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
