Safety tips in the home

Install CO alarms (listed by an independent testing laboratory) inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO.CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need a CO alarm.
Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms.
Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products tested and labeled by an independent testing laboratory.
When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
When buying an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house.

Safety tips outside the home

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
Only use barbecue grills – which can produce CO – outside. Never use them in the home, garage or near building openings.
When camping, remember to use battery-powered lights in tents trailers, and motor homes.

If your CO alarm sounds

Immediately move to a fresh air location and call for help. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel say it is ok.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries or other trouble indicators.

Updated: 12/06, Source: NFPA