11 Carbon Monoxide Smarts

Staying safe when it comes to carbon monoxide can be tricky, since it’s extremely difficult to detect. However, with the right knowledge, equipment and preventative measures, protecting yourself and your family is simple.

One easy way to safeguard yourself and your family is to understand the potential hazards in using household appliances that can cause carbon monoxide leaks, like space heaters, wood stoves, generators, gas stoves, furnaces and fireplaces — to name just a few. These tips can help you stay on top of monitoring them.

Stay up-to date. It’s important to install a carbon monoxide detector labeled with the UL 2034 safety standard.

Practice makes perfect. Be sure to test detectors regularly.

Place strategically. Ideally, it’s smart to put a detector on each floor of your home. And be sure to always place them near sleeping areas.

Stay safe on adventures: Remember to install detectors on boats and recreational vehicles as well.

Take care. It’s a great idea to have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up central heating systems annually.

Let it out: Open flues when using fireplaces.

Insist on safety: Choose properly-sized wood stoves that are certified to meet the EPA emission standards. Make sure doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.

Be mindful: Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.

Fuel smart: Always use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.

Use the driveway: Never idle your vehicle in a garage.

Stay outside: Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window.

By taking action, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your home and family keep up the good work!