November through February are the leading months for carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. It seems pretty obvious why. These are the coldest months of the year when we are in our homes, heating them, cooking, and living as warmly as possible.
Sources of carbon monoxide are surprisingly plentiful. Gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and cooktops are obvious, but really, it’s bigger than that. Anything that burns gives off carbon monoxide. So things like oil furnaces and wood burning fireplaces also give off carbon monoxide.
When you sell your home you are required to have carbon monoxide detectors in the house.
There are also some simple steps you can take to stay safe:
Check you heating systems, fireplace, and gas appliances every year. Keep them clean and working properly.
Use caution with kerosene or gas space heaters.
Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
Use charcoal grills, hibachis or portable camping stoves outside.
Never run a gasoline powered engine (like for a generator) in a basement or enclosed structure.
Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an attached garage or closed space.
It’s mostly common sense, but people being people, it’s good to get the word out.
Dianne