Is your family safe from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that can harm you and your family without warning. It is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that is produced when fuel-burning appliances are not operating or vented properly. If you have natural gas appliances in your home, ensure they work efficiently and safely. Your natural gas flame should be blue with a hint of yellow near the tip. A yellow flame may mean trouble. CO can make you sick and cause symptoms like:

• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision

These symptoms may affect everyone in your home but may go away when you leave. If you feel sick in your home but not outside, you may have a CO leak.

The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to:

• Install CO detectors in your home and test them monthly, replacing batteries yearly.
• Follow manufacturers' instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.
• Maintain the safety and efficiency of your gas appliances by having qualified professionals install, inspect, and service them regularly. Have any repairs made if there are signs of wear, such as corrosion or damage on the appliances, connectors, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys, and gas lines.
• Replace furnace air filters monthly throughout the heating season.
• Never leave your car running in an attached garage, even with the door open.

If you suspect a CO leak in your home, get out immediately and call 911 or our emergency gas hotline at 480-644-4277.