helpful info

property

Carbon monoxide in the home

Carbon monoxide can be a serious problem for homeowners. In fact, overexposure to this invisible, odorless, and poisonous gas can cause sickness or, in some cases, even death.

Many things can cause the build up of carbon monoxide in your home, including fuel-burning appliances that aren't working properly, burning charcoal and running a car in a closed garage.

Preventing carbon monoxide leaks in your home is easy with these tips.

To detect high levels of carbon monoxide before it becomes a problem:

• Have your heating system, vents and/or chimney inspected once a year.
• Have your fireplace or wood stove inspected and cleaned once a year.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms and on each floor of your home.
• If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, press the reset button, call 911 and immediately move to fresh air.

To prevent the build up of carbon monoxide:

• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage or vehicle.
• Never use portable, fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage or vehicle.
• Don't leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never repair fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skills and tools.
• If you know how to repair fuel-burning appliances, refer to the owner's manual before starting the repair.
• Use a furnace or heater for warming your home, not gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers.
• Never operate unvented, fuel-burning appliances indoors unless doors and windows are open. Don't allow anyone to sleep in the same room with an unvented appliance.
• Don't use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. If you must, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and, when possible, allow the exhaust to vent outdoors.

Source: Nationwide.com