Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, so its level of existence in your home is not detectable.  It is a by-product of the fuel burning process.  Many appliances such as furnaces, kitchen stoves, hot water heaters, automobiles, etc. can produce carbon monoxide.  When a faulty or unusual conditions exists, carbon monoxide may be vented into areas where people are present.

Carbon monoxide affects individuals differently depending on the size, age and medical history of the occupants.  Therefore,  young children, people with medical conditions, or aged individuals should take extra precautions in the event carbon monoxide is detected. 

 Fire Departments across the nation are responding to a huge increase in carbon monoxide alarms.  In most cases, a response is not necessary.  Here's how you can help cut down calls.

  • On a monthly basis, check fresh air intakes to furnaces, chimneys and dryer vents to make sure they are not plugged by bird nests, leaves and snow.

  • If using a wood burning fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation and open a window slightly. 

  • If you are warming up your vehicle, remove it from the garage.

  • Have fuel-burning household heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, and space or portable heaters) checked every year before cold weather sets in.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ASSIST YOU IN PURCHASING A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

  • Purchase a detector that plugs into the wall (not battery operated).

  • Purchase a detector that has a digital display for carbon monoxide readings.  The digital display detectors are a little more expensive, but they indicate exactly how many parts per million of carbon monoxide are in your home at the time of activation.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ACTIVATES

  • If your carbon monoxide detector does not have a digital display, check individuals in the home for flu-like symptoms (nausea, headache, dizziness, etc.)  If there are no symptoms, call a repair service.  If there are symptoms call 911.

  • If the parts per million on your digital detector is less than 9, your detector should not activate.  This is considered normal carbon monoxide in a typical home.

  • If the reading is between 10 and 100, open your windows and contact Xcel Energy or a furnace repair service to inspect all of your gas appliances.  If no one is complaining of flu-like symptoms, there is no need to call the Fire Department.

  • If the reading is 100 or greater, you should leave your home.  This level of carbon monoxide is considered dangerous.  Contact Xcel Energy or your furnace repair service.  If any one is exhibiting flu-like symptoms (nausea, headache, dizziness, etc.) call 911.

Home

 

 

 

 

Home