What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely.

• In home concerns heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over shorter amount of time.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely.

• In home concerns heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over shorter amount of time.

CO Alarm Installation and Maintenance

Install CO alarm:

• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level of the home.
• Choose alarms listed by qualified testing lab for safety certification
• If you have a standby generator, install a CO alarm on the interior wall closest to the generator

What To Do If The CO Alarm Sounds?

• Immediately move to fresh air go outdoors or to an open window/door.
• Ensure everyone in the home is accounted for.
• Call emergency services from a safe location and stay there until it is declared safe.

Proper Usage:

• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas at 15-20 feet away from all doors, windows, and vent openings. To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Measure the 15-20 feet distance from the generator exhaust system to the building.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.

Fueling:

• Store fuel in an approved safety can and only use fuel recommended on the generator label.
• Turn the generator off and let it cool down when refueling. Spilled gasoline on engine parts can ignite.

Power:

• Use a heavy-duty extension cord for appliances. Check them for cuts, tears, and ensure that the plug has three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• Even a properly connected generator can become overloaded and cause overheating or failure. Stagger operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads

Standby Generator:

• Ensure there is more than enough ventilation space around the generator unit.
• Never attempt to enclose or cover the generator in a way that blocks ventilation.

Pets:

• Pets should not be left in the same room as the generator. Supervise your pets while having a generator present.
• Secure electical cords and power lines
• Place the generator in a well-ventilated area.

Candle Safety

Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.

Avoid using candles. If you do use candles:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Blow out all candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
• During power outages, try to avoid carrying a lit candle.

Restored power prep

• Turn off major appliances and electronics during a power outage. This prevents overloading circuits or damaging equipment when power is restored.

• After power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning appliances back on to avoid overloading circuits.