“Do I have to worry about Carbon Monoxide?”

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas produced when fossil fuels, like natural gas, burn improperly or only partially. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a potentially deadly gas. A faulty boiler, furnace or hot water heater can emit CO and, unlike gas where we add an unpleasant odor, you cannot smell it.

Tragically, it can kill people as they sleep.

Illinois state law has mandated that all residences (homes and apartments) have an operating and certified CO detector by January 1, 2007. It must be placed within 15 feet of every bedroom.

To protect your family from CO poisoning:

• Purchase your CO detector now and make sure it is installed and operating as soon as possible. Why wait until January 1st to put this safety device in place?
• Change the batteries in your CO detector every six months.
• Have your heating system and gas appliances professionally inspected each year.
• Make sure flames on your stove are blue. A yellow flame could indicate the presence of CO.
• Vent appliances based on manufacturers' requirements.
• Make sure all of your appliances are properly vented and that your chimney flue isn't clogged or blocked. Remember to open the flue every time you light your fireplace.
• If you purchased a CO detector more than five years ago, it's time to replace it.

If your CO detector goes off:

• Open windows and doors
• Leave your home immediately
• Call 911 from another location

If your CO detector goes off at the beginning of the winter season, press the reset button. If the alarm signals again after a couple of minutes, open the windows, exit the premises and call 911.