OUTSIDE THE HOME
When outside of your home, there are still things you can do to reduce your CO intake. Do not assume that since you are outside that there is no risk at all for CO inhalation.

• Never leave a vehicle running in a garage with or without the garage door open. Inspect the exhaust for leaks.
• Never use fuel burning heaters or lanterns while sleeping in tents, campers, RVs or other enclosed areas.
• Do not store propane tanks indoors.
• All gas, diesel, or propane powered equipment should always be started outside.
• When using paint strippers and solvents outdoors make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area.
• Never use a grill of any type in the garage or house, in a trailer, van or camper even if there is a door open.

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INSIDE THE HOME
The furnace, fireplace, woodstove, water heater, space or portable heaters, and appliances should always be used with caution. The following are tips that can be followed when using these items:

• Avoid extensive use of kerosene heaters; always vent them to the outside.
• Be sure to inspect and service your heating and cooling system before each season.
• Check the water heater for improper burner adjustment and low supply of hot water.
• Keep the fireplace flue open for adequate ventilation and until embers are completely burned out.
• If a mostly yellow pilot light is not positioned upright, call for service; do not ever attempt to adjust this yourself.
• Never install or operate gas-burning appliances, furnaces or water heaters in unvented enclosures.
• Examine chimney and vents for blockages, cracks, leaks; improper connections, rust, water streaking, stains; debris and soot; loose, damaged, discolored bricks or masonry; hot draft or none at all. You may want to hire a professional to clean your chimney before the first use of the season.
• Gas ranges or ovens should never be used for heating the room or home.

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To prevent the formation of dangerous CO levels installation, maintenance, and operation of household devices should include the following:

• Installation by a professional according to manufacturers instructions and local building codes.
• Maintenance through yearly inspections to eliminate problems before they become hazardous.
• Using proper fuel, and operate according to the manufacturers instructions.

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THINGS TO WATCH FOR

• Stuffy, stale, smelly air; exhaust fume smell; unfamiliar or burning odor.
• Moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryers exterior vent; soot on appliances.
• A furnace that runs constantly but heats inadequately; loose or missing furnace panels.
• Appliances that shut off, activating safety devices.

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SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
Symptoms can mimic a common cold, a hangover, food poisoning, depress or flu (without body ache or fever). If the familys (or pets) symptoms decrease when away from the house, seek medical attention or get a carboxyhemoglobin level blood test for CO poisoning.

• Dizziness, ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision, burning eyes
• Persistent throbbing headaches
• Tightness across the forehead
• Pale skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control
• Fainting, unconsciousness
• Sleepiness, never feeling rested
• Rapid heartbeat or pulse, fluttering or throbbing of the heart, tightening of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (angina) when exercising
• Intoxicated appearance
• Sudden death

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CO poisoning is especially toxic to infants and children; mother and unborn child during pregnancy; the elderly; smokers; people with anemia, coronary, or respiratory problems; and people with immune system diseases.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
Leave immediately opening doors and windows on your way out. Follow your home escape plan meeting at the pre-arranged meeting place which should be away from your home. Call 911 from another location and do not ever enter the home until help arrives and the danger has passed.