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1. What are sources of CO?

• Charcoal-burning barbecue grills
• Fireplaces
• Furnaces
• Gas appliances
• Gasoline-powered engines
• Kerosene heaters and appliances
• Motor vehicle exhaust
• Water heaters
• Wood burning stoves

2. What may cause CO levels to increase?

• Fuel-burning appliances and other equipment that are not functioning properly or are not adequately vented may cause a build up of CO.
• Air-tight, energy-efficient homes meant to keep warm air in during winter months and cool air in during summer months may also trap CO inside.
• Cracked furnace heat exchanger
• Blocked vents and chimneys
• Disconnected or corroded vents
• An inadequate air supply for fuel-burning appliances can cause down-drafting which may force CO contaminated air back into the home.

3. What are the signs of CO poisoning and build up?

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sleepiness

4. What are signs that a fuel-burning appliance is not receiving enough fresh air for combustion?

• Excessive humidity in the house indicated by heavily frosted windows
• Peculiar, stale odor
• Burning eyes when an appliance is operating
• Fireplace that doesn't draw properly

5. How do you prevent CO build up?

• Make sure that your fuel-burning appliances are in good operating condition and are properly vented with an adequate fresh air supply.
• Never use a charcoal barbecue grill inside your home or garage.
• Never run an automobile inside of a garage.
• Perform annual maintenance checks on your home's ventilation systems. Check fireplace, clothes dryer, space heaters and chimney.
• Have your furnace inspected annually.

6. Why should I buy a CO detector?

CO detectors are the only way to detect dangerous levels of CO in your home. Ideally, you should have one CO detector for every level of your home. Ensure that a detector is placed near sleeping areas.

7. What features should I look for when I select a CO detector?

• The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) symbol. This symbol means that the detector has met the recommended safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
  CO detectors with an audible alarm.
• AC/DC powered detectors. This type of detector will provide coverage during a power outage.
• CO detectors that have a digital readout. This will allow you to determine how you should respond. A high readout requires immediate evacuation of the home and possibly medical attention. A lower reading gives you the opportunity to contact your utility company.

8. What should you do if your CO detector sounds?

• Assess the health of the people in the house.
• If there appears to be no immediate health hazards, call your utility company or an appliance repair service.
• If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, get the person out of the house and call 911 immediately.
• Open windows.
• Consider leaving the home until assistance arrives, to avoid the potential for CO poisoning.