Safety tips on carbon monoxide (CO) detectors (courtesy of Chicago Fire Department)
Parker-Holsman Co.    1461 E. 57th Street    Chicago, IL 60637    773-493-2525 Your Neighborhood Realtor since 1931

What you can't see or smell can kill you!
Do you have any of these fuel burning appliances?
Automobiles, furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, gas ranges/ovens, gas dryers, space heaters, charcoal/gas grills, yard equipment, lawn mowers, snowblowers, chain saws

Check appliances that run on oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas, wood, coal, or gasoline for problem sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO).

The law states you must have a carbon monoxide detector!
What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
It is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning fuel. Exposure to lower levels of CO over several hours can be just as dangerous as higher levels for a few minutes of exposure.

Proper ventilation:

• Venting gas ranges
• Never use gas range for heating
• Never leave cars running in an open or closed garage
• Start yard equipment outside
• Never use charcoal or gas grill indoors
• Vent fuel burning heaters

People at risk:

• Children
• Elderly
• People with lung disease
• People with heart disease
• Pregnant women

Signs & symptoms:

• Headache, fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness, confusion
• Tightness in the chest
• Trouble breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• DEATH

Dangerous levels can occur if:

• Improperly installed
• Improperly maintained
• Damaged
• Malfunctioning
• Improperly used
• Improperly ventilated

What to do:

• Ventilate the house! And get out!
• Turn off fuel burning appliances if possible, as you leave.
• Get fresh air!
• Call 911
• Seek medical attention even if you feel better.
• Have your home checked by a professional.
• Don't go back in until the problems have been corrected.

Trouble signs:

• Loose or cracked masonry
• Loose or improper connections
• Soot buildup
• Burning smell or unusual odor
• Appliances that keep shutting off
• Yellow flame on a gas appliance
• Excess moisture on windows
  It is also possible to have a CO problem with no no obvious signs!

Installation:

• One carbon monoxide detector on every floor, and within 40 feet of bedrooms.
• Test and maintain your carbon monoxide detectors periodically.
• Carbon monoxide detectors DO NOT take the place of smoke detectors.

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