Do you make these common carbon monoxide poisoning mistakes? Who’s ready to take a quick carbon monoxide test?

Here’s your 2-question carbon monoxide test:

True or false?

1. You can SEE carbon monoxide. T/ F
2. You can SMELL carbon monoxide. T/F

If you answered FALSE to both of these statements then congratulations you passed our carbon monoxide test! It is no wonder carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer.

What is carbon monoxide?

While you can see smoke and smell smoke, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, which is why it’s nicknamed the invisible killer. It is created as a by-product of fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane burn do not burn completely. That means you have potential carbon monoxide in your home if you either cook or heat your home with:

1. gasoline
2. wood
3. coal
4. natural gas
5. propane
6. methane
7. oil

What can you do to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning?

The answer? Invest in a carbon monoxide detector.

Here are some tips for using your CO detector

• Install them in a central location outside of your bedrooms.
• Install them next to each heating or cooking device that uses fuels that can produce carbon monoxide as well.
• How high should you place your detector? Read the instructions that come with the box!
• Test your CO detector once a month so that you know it is working.
• Replace your battery annually when you replace your smoke detector batteries. 
• Have extra batteries on hand
• Add a monitored CO detector to your security system.

What do I do if my CO detector makes a sound?

• First open a window to get fresh air in the house
• Change the  battery to see if it is a low battery warning.
• If it still ringing then call the fire department and get everyone out of the house.

Here are a few tips to prevent carbon monoxide

• Never run a car or gas engine indoors. Always be sure to have the garage door open all the way.
• Only grills outdoors. Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or garage.
• Remember to keep generators outdoors when using them.
• Make sure your fireplace damper is fully open before starting a fire.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
• If your home was not wired for CO detectors than buy battery operated detectors from your local hardware store.

Do You Know the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Since we learned that carbon monoxide is a silent, invisible killer, how can you tell if you have been a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. First, install a CO detector as discussed above. 

Next, learn the symptoms, which can appear flu like:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue

 If you do not get fresh air immediately CO poisoning can eventually cause:

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death

Since carbon monoxide can take the life of someone you love, why not invest in a monitored fire alarm system that will contact the fire department in case of a CO alarm. Contact your InsuranceHub agent today.