November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month and Lincoln Fire & Rescue recommends that families have working carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Public Information Officer MJ Lierman says carbon monoxide is referred to as the silent killer.
“It’s colorless, odorless, tasteless and can’t be detected by humans. The only way you would know it’s in your home is by having a detector.” Lierman advises having a working CO alarm on every level of your home and near every bedroom. Test the alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
When warming up your vehicle, move it out of the garage immediately. Use grills and generators outside, away from windows and doors. Lierman says make sure vents for your furnace, stove, fireplace, and dryer are clear of debris.
If your CO alarm sounds, leave the house immediately and call 911 or the fire department. Stay outside until emergency personnel arrive. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and irregular breathing.
High concentrations can lead to death in as little as five minutes. Hundreds of people nationwide die each year from CO poisoning.