The following steps can reduce exposure to carbon monoxide

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Use a vented space heater
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Make sure the doors on wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up furnaces, flues, and chimneys annually; and repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm.

How to protect yourself

• Have a qualified appliance technician check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney system at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer
• Install at least one audible carbon monoxide alarm near your sleeping area.
• Choose an alarm that is Underwriters Laboratories Inc. listed. Look for the UL logo on the package.

How Carbon monoxide alarms work
Carbon monoxide alarms sound based on exposure to carbon monoxide over time. They are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. Remember -- it is the concentration of carbon monoxide over time that poses a threat.

If the CO alarm goes off

• DO NOT panic
• Press the test/silence button to temporarily quiet the alarm.
• Move everyone to a source of fresh air.
• Call 911
• Leave the CO alarm where it is.
• Do not re-enter your home until the emergency responder has arrived, your home is aired out and your CO alarm returns to normal operation.