Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be a silent killer. During the winter months especially, be sure to follow some basic safety protocols to keep your family safe.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Place detectors on every level of your home, either on the ceiling or on a wall, about 5 feet high. Make sure you regularly test your detectors and change the batteries as needed.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Make sure all of your fuel-burning equipment and devices are regularly checked and operating properly.
Clean Your Fireplace
Once a year, have your fireplace cleaned and inspected to prevent a buildup of materials in your chimney and ensure your flue is operating properly.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Power outages due to storms can be a problem in the winter. Don’t run generators or cars in closed spaces in an effort to stay warm. Always open an outside window or door or better yet, run them outside.
Keep Outside Vents Clear
After a storm, inspect your external vents to make sure the snow is not blocking them. If it is, make sure to clear away the snow so that carbon monoxide does not back up inside your home.