You can't see it. You can't smell it. And without a working carbon monoxide alarm, you may not know it's accumulating inside your home.
Carbon monoxide, commonly called CO, is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
As cooler weather approaches and heating systems begin running more frequently, September is a good time to make sure your home is protected.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide in a Home?
Carbon monoxide can be produced by equipment that burns fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil or wood.
Potential sources around a home can include:
Furnaces and boilers
Gas water heaters
Fireplaces
Gas stoves and ovens
Portable generators
Fuel-burning space heaters
Vehicles
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides additional information about carbon monoxide, common sources and how exposure can affect people.
What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because exposure can occur without an obvious smell, visible smoke or other warning.
Common symptoms can include:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion
More significant exposure can cause loss of consciousness and death.
Never rely on being able to recognize carbon monoxide yourself. Working CO alarms provide an important warning your senses cannot.
Where Should Carbon Monoxide Alarms Be Installed?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific alarms installed in your home.
What Should You Do If a CO Alarm Sounds?
Take the alarm seriously.
Move everyone to fresh air and call 911 from a safe location.
Don't:
Ignore the alarm because nobody feels sick.
Remove the batteries just to silence it.
Spend time searching the house for the source.
Assume opening a window has permanently corrected the problem.
Firefighters can use monitoring equipment to check the atmosphere and investigate whether a hazardous condition exists.
Never Run a Portable Generator Indoors
Portable generators can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Never operate a generator inside a house, basement, shed, garage or other enclosed space — even if doors or windows are open.
The CDC recommends using generators outside and keeping them more than 20 feet from the home, doors and windows.
Don't Leave a Vehicle Running in the Garage
Never leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage.
Move the vehicle outside before allowing it to run.
During snowstorms, also check that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked by accumulated snow before starting the vehicle.
Maintain Your Home's Heating Equipment
Fuel-burning heating equipment should be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and serviced by qualified professionals when appropriate.
Chimneys, vents and exhaust systems should also remain clear and in good condition.
CO Alarms and Smoke Alarms Aren't the Same
Carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms detect different hazards.
Your home may need both.
Make sure you've also reviewed our smoke alarm safety guide for information about protecting your home from fire.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Alarms Today
Take a few minutes to test your CO alarms and check their age.
Make sure everyone in your home knows what the alarm sounds like and what they should do if it activates.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds and you believe there may be an emergency, leave the building and call 911 from a safe location.