Carbon Monoxide Tips

Have your furnace, venting system, and chimney inspected each year by a qualified contractor.
Periodically check your furnace and water heater vent pipes for rust, corrosion or damage. Replace pipes if necessary.

Don't use your gas range to heat your home.
Never burn charcoal in your home, garage, work shed, or recreational vehicle, or in any enclosed area.
Be sure your chimney flue is open each time you use your fireplace.
Never run a car engine, lawn mower, snow blower, or other combustion engine in a closed area like your garage or basement.
When camping, do not operate a fuel-burning heater, lantern, or range inside your tent or RV without proper ventilation. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Flu-like symptoms, including; headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, and irregular breathing, and heartbeat.
Victims may appear pale, but then develop a cherry red color on lips and ear tips.
Be suspicious if everyone in your household is experiencing the same symptoms-especially animals, because they can't get the flu.

Get fresh air immediately!
Go to a neighbor's house and call 9-1-1 immediately, even if the victim appears to be recovering.

An audible alarm that stops automatically within minutes when gas dissipates
Approval certification with the UL 2023 or American Gas Association
A power light indicating power is on
A digital display or warning light that signals low levels of CO
A manufacturer's warranty that indicates the life of the detector
A test button to verify the detector is working
A manual hush / reset button to silence the alarm, but the sensor remains active so the unit continues taking readings
An intermittent alarm to indicate low battery, or a problem with the circuitry
Plug-in models with a 6-foot power cord

Please contact the Fire Department at 630-833-5350 with any questions.