From the NFPA.org website:
“Your Source for SAFETY Information
Carbon Monoxide Safety:
Often called the silent killer,carbon monoxide is an invisible,odorless,
colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline,wood,coal,natural
gas,propane,oil,and methane)burn incompletely.In the home,
heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of
carbon monoxide.
FACTS:
A person can be poisoned
by a small amount of CO
over a longer period of
time or by a large amount
of CO over a shorter
amount of time.
In 2005,U.S.fire
departments responded to
an estimated 61,100 non-
fire CO incidents in which
carbon monoxide was
found,or an average of
seven calls per hour.
KKK CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside
each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in
other locations where required by applicable laws,codes or
standards.For the best protection,interconnect all CO alarms
throughout the home.When one sounds,they all sound.
mounting height.
KKK Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing
laboratory.
KKK
find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
KKK Test CO alarms at least once a month;replace them according
KKK If the audible trouble signal sounds,check for low batteries.
If the battery is low,replace it.If it still sounds,call the fire
department.
KKK
If the CO alarm sounds,immediately move to a fresh air
location outdoors or by an open window or door.Make sure
everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from the FD. Go to a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
If you need to warm a vehicle,remove it from the garage
immediately after starting it.Do not run a vehicle or other
fueled engine or motor indoors,even if garage doors are
open.Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not
covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm,make sure vents for the dryer,
furnace,stove,and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location
outdoors away from windows,doors and vent openings.
HOME HEATING EQUIPMENT
Have fuel-burning heating
equipment and chimneys
inspected by a professional
every year before cold weather
sets in. When using a fireplace,
open the flue for adequate
ventilation. Never use your
oven to heat your home.”