Follow these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install a UL-approved carbon monoxide detector and alarm. These devices measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and sound an alarm at certain levels. They should be considered as a backup and not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. Preventing carbon monoxide from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm.
- Have a qualified professional routinely maintain and inspect all heating systems and any fuel-burning appliances annually to ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Have a qualified professional routinely inspect appliance vents and chimney flues annually for blockages, corrosion, cracks or leakage.
- Never run a vehicle or use unvented fuel-burning equipment in an enclosed space.
Learn more about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning including symptoms and prevention on our Carbon Monoxide page.