Home Safety

ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

Carbon monoxide cannot be seen and has no smell. It is often referred to as the "silent killer".
Install carbon monoxide detectors near furnaces, gas hot water heaters and log stoves as well as in the bedroom areas.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Dizziness

- Fatigue

- Depression

It is estimated that as many as 1,600 people a year die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Flue pipes connecting furnaces, gas hot water heaters, log stoves and room heaters, should be checked by a heating contractor if you think that there is a problem. Have them inspected regularly.

A flue pipe should not have equipment from different levels or floors connected into it.

Check the angle of the flue pipes in your home. Do they continue to slope upwards ALL the way to the chimney or until they vent out?

Chimneys and flues should be cleaned and/or inspected annually. Neglecting to do this could endanger everyone in the home.

Birds or other animals can make nests or get stuck in chimneys and flues blocking them. When this happens; it is possible that carbon monoxide that should have been vented to the outside, invades the home.

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