Mike Akin (via Click2Houston)
Carbon monoxide is called the “silent killer.” It’s invisible, odorless and tasteless—but exposure to it can be deadly. The gas is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, wood and charcoal burn incompletely.
According to Cy-Fair Fire Department, carbon monoxide poisoning leads to more than 100,000 emergency room visits, 14,000 hospitalizations and more than 1,200 deaths each year in the United States
How to protect yourself and your family
- Install working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area
- Test alarms monthly
- Replace batteries at least once a year
- Replace the alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions—typically every 10 years.
- Fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces, should be inspected annually by a qualified technician.
- Never use a gas stove or oven to heat a home.
- Never operate a portable generator inside a home or garage
- Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from the house and away from windows and doors
- If an alarm sounds, get everyone—including pets—outside and call 911.
- Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.
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