Cal Fire Warns: Don't Let Odorless Gas Kill You

As much of California faces cooler temperatures these days, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is reminding residents of the importance of having a working carbon monoxide alarm.

“Having a working Carbon monoxide alarm is your family’s number one tool to protect against the silent killer that is CO,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, CAL FIRE-Office of the State Fire Marshal. “According to the National Fire Protection Association, most CO incidents occur in homes, making it even more important to ensure your home has an alarm.”

Cal Fire says the threat of carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning is increased this time of year, as more people use heating devices in their homes.

The colorless, odorless gas-- dubbed the invisible killer-- is sometimes created when we burn things like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane, the agency said. Worst-case scenarios can result in death, while low levels in your home can cause shortness of breath, mild headaches, nausea, and fainting.

Here’s some advice from Cal Fire to help protect yourself and loved ones:

Take action to stay safe from CO poisoning:

• Install a CO alarm outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Follow the instructions on the package to properly install the CO alarm, and test them once a month.
• If the battery is low, replace it. The alarm will make a different sound if the battery is low.
• If the CO alarm sounds, you must get fresh air. Get everyone out of the house and call 911.

To avoid CO poisoning here are some safety tips to remember:

• Never use your oven, stove, gas or charcoal grills to heat your home; they can create CO. Only use them outside!
• When warming up a vehicle, move it out of the garage. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked as CO can result from the backup.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.
• During and after a snowstorm, ensure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up as well as debris.
• A generator should be used outdoors only! Use in a well-ventilated area away from windows, doors, and vent openings.

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