How to protect your family from the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning

Every year, hundreds of people in the U.S. lose their lives due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 20,000 people seek emergency care each year, with an additional 4,000 hospitalized.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, a byproduct of burning fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, wood, propane, and natural gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide hinders the ability of blood cells to transport sufficient oxygen, affecting the brain and heart rapidly, according to poison.org.

Safe Kids Inland Empire Coordinator Michelle Parker shares tips on safeguarding your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

What are the sources of carbon monoxide in homes during the winter, and how can parents ensure these areas are adequately ventilated?

Furnaces, wall heaters, and various gas or coal-burning appliances can emit carbon monoxide. Additionally, gas ovens, generators, and vehicles pose risks. Garage doors should be open when vehicles are running, and portable flameless chemical heaters or generators should never be used inside the home. Grills and generators must be placed outside, away from windows and doors. Regularly check vents for dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, and stoves to ensure they are clear of debris.

How can parents prevent carbon monoxide buildup in their homes during the colder months?

Never use a gas oven for heating your home. Be aware that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you will not smell or see it building up in your home. It’s important to keep appliances and devices that emit carbon monoxide in good running order and have them serviced as instructions indicate.

Are there specific precautions parents should take when using heating appliances, such as furnaces or space heaters, to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide exposure?

A working carbon monoxide alarm is recommended on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. There are smoke and carbon monoxide alarm combinations, but you may not know which issue is occurring with a combination alarm. Become familiar with the sounds your alarms make should they ever sound off.

How frequently should carbon monoxide detectors be tested and replaced, and where should they be strategically placed in a home with children?

Safety experts suggest monthly testing of alarms, with replacement based on the manufacturer's instructions (typically every five years). Placing alarms strategically in areas with children is vital for early detection.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, what immediate actions should parents and children take to ensure their safety?

If the CO alarm sounds, quickly leave your home. Move to a safe location outside where you can breathe in fresh air. Call 911 or the fire department after you are safely outside. Stay outside until emergency personnel arrive to help and tell you it is safe to re-enter your home. It is important to have a family evacuation plan and to practice it so every family member knows what to do.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. In more severe cases, symptoms can include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, and even death.

If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures, call 911 immediately.