SAFETY TIPS :: CARBON MONOXIDE :: AVOIDING CO

How can I tell if there is a risk of CO poisoning in my home?

Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year.
Be alert to these danger signs that signal a potential CO problem:
streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances; the absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage); excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets; moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms; fallen soot from the fireplace; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe; damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney; and rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home.

How can I avoid CO poisoning?

The most important steps are preventive ones. Have a qualified service professional inspect your fuel-burning appliances at least once a year. Install UL Listed CO detectors outside of sleeping areas and near all fuel-burning appliances. Install UL Listed CO detectors outside of sleeping areas and near all fuel-burning appliances.

Other precautions include:

• avoid using charcoal grills inside the home, tent or camper, or in an unventilated garage
• don’t allow vehicle exhaust fumes to enter the home
• make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly ventilated

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