Carbon monoxide is produced by any home appliance that uses natural gas and burns fuel in your home, such as a furnace, stove, clothing dryer, or gas-powered generator. All fuel-burning appliances need to be vented outside.
Gas-powered car engines release carbon monoxide as well, so never leave a car running in an enclosed garage connected to the home.
Use carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly. Place them near each sleeping area on every level of the house and check the batteries at least twice a year.
If the alarm sounds, don’t immediately blame a faulty battery. Remember, the gas is invisible and odorless, and you should trust the detector. Leave the house and call 911 or emergency medical help. Carbon monoxide detectors also are made for motorhomes and boats.
Utilize gas appliances only as intended. Don’t use a gas stove or oven for heat and don’t use gas camp stoves indoors. Don’t run a generator in an enclosed space, such as a basement, garage, or tent, even if the garage door or windows are open.
When your garage door is open, you’re pulling air in, not exhausting it out, says Dr. Cooper.
“We’ve seen patients come to the ER badly poisoned saying, ‘I had the garage door open. Why did this happen?’ Opening a door or window isn’t enough — generators and gas-powered devices should really be outside,” he says.
Have appliances checked regularly. Have professionals set up all gas-, oil- or coal-burning appliances, and have a qualified service professional check them yearly.
Keep fireplaces in good condition. Clean the fireplace chimney and flue every year.
Do repairs before returning to a place where poisoning occurred. If carbon monoxide poisoning happens in your home, have a professional find and repair the source before staying there again.
How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Traveling
Cooper offers a few tips to stay safe while traveling:
- Check the listing on your rental or call ahead to your hotel or resort and ask if they have carbon monoxide detectors. “Most, but not all states require hotels to have CO detectors,” he says.
- Buy a portable carbon monoxide detector and take it with you on trips. Small devices can be purchased online for between $20 and $35.
The detector should beep a few times when you plug it in to let you know it’s working. (Follow the instructions that came with the device.) If the alarm beeps during your stay, leave the house or building immediately.
