Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO pol-
luted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels.
What You Can do to Protect Your Family
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances, their chimneys, and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of CO exposure. If you suspect CO
poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood
test can confirm that CO has caused the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular mainte-
nance of your appliances. Contact a qualified Corgi installer or
Transco (British Gas) for assistance.
Remember, problems can begin after an inspection has been complet-
ed. CO can come from sources such as a crack in a furnace heat
exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a bird’s nest blocking a
flue. Other sources of CO are nearly impossible to detect; even a
change in the air pressure outside can turn a normally safe situation
deadly. 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.
• 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-burn-
ing appliances.
• 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 provide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater.
• Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
– Decreasing hot water supply
– Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
– Sooting, especially on appliances
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What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds
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