by Jason Pallotta, Asst. Chief; Inlet Vol. Fire Dept.

Each year in America, more than 150 people die from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide (co) poisoning associated with consumer products.

These products include faulty, improperly used or incorrectly vented fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.

Co,  often called “the silent killer”,  is a gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell.

It can be created when  fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas propane, methane, or wood do not burn properly.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, and drowsiness. Exposure to high levels of CO can be fatal.

Here are a few ways to avoid CO problems:

• Have all fuel burning appliances, equipment, and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.

• Open the damper on your fireplace or woodstove before using.

• Never use your oven or stove top to heat your home.

• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and debris.

• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

• If you have a garage attached to your home, start your vehicle and immediately remove it from the garage. Never run a vehicle or any fuel burning engine in an attached garage, even if the doors are open.

Even if you follow all these precautions, you still need to have CO alarms in your home.

Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide early detection of CO.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of your home and in other locations required by law.

For the best protection, the alarms should be interconnected, so when one activates, they all will sound.

Follow the manufacturers instructions for placement and mounting height.

Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms must be installed in accordance with requirements for smoke alarms.

CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms and vice versa. Know the difference between the sound of your CO alarm and the sound of your smoke alarm.

Test your alarms once a month and replace them if they fail to respond. Replace the batteries once a year or if they start to “chirp”.

If you have an alarm activation, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.

If you have any questions or concerns about this article, contact your local codes or fire department, or you can reach me at the Inlet Fire Department at (315) 357-6601 and leave a message.

And remember… SMOKE AND CO ALARMS SAVE LIVES!