Carbon Monoxide Safety: Signs to Know and What to Do

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you cannot see, smell or taste. That is why it is called the silent danger. The good news: a few simple habits keep your family safe. These tips come from the CDC, the NFPA and the CPSC.

Why it matters

According to the CDC, carbon monoxide leads to more than 400 deaths, more than 100,000 emergency room visits and more than 14,000 hospital stays in the US every year. Most of these can be prevented.

Where carbon monoxide comes from

• Gas furnaces and boilers
• Gas water heaters
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Portable generators
• Cars running in a garage

Warning signs

The CDC lists these common symptoms of CO poisoning:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

The signs can feel like the flu. A clue: if everyone in the home feels ill at the same time, or you feel better when you go outside, think about CO. People who are asleep may not notice any signs, which is why alarms matter.

If an alarm sounds or you feel these signs

1. Get everyone outside into fresh air straight away, including pets.
2. Call 911 or your local emergency number from outside.
3. Do not go back in until emergency services say it is safe.
4. Get your appliances checked by a qualified technician before using them again.

Simple ways to prevent CO

• Have your furnace, water heater and other gas appliances serviced every year.
• Never run a generator, grill or camp stove inside the home or garage.
• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the door open.
• Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow, leaves and nests.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

Alarms and live readings

The NFPA recommends CO alarms with a testing lab's label outside each sleeping area and on every level, tested at least once a month. In the US, CO alarms are tested to a standard called UL 2034. Under that standard, alarms sound when CO stays above certain levels for a set time, for example above 70 ppm for about an hour.

A monitor with a live number, like CarbonOne Safe, adds something extra: you can see the CO level at any moment, even at low levels, and spot a change early.

Learn more: CarbonOne Safe setup guide and CarbonOne Safe price and guarantee.

See the CarbonOne Safe offer

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Headache, dizziness, weakness, an upset stomach, chest pain and confusion. The signs can feel like the flu.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

Get everyone outside into fresh air, call 911 from outside and do not go back in until emergency services say it is safe.

How often should I test my CO alarm?

At least once a month, as the NFPA and CPSC advise.

More CarbonOne Safe guides

• CarbonOne Safe: product overview and today's offer
• How CarbonOne Safe Works: A Simple Guide
• How to Set Up CarbonOne Safe in Your Home
• Where to Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors at Home
• CarbonOne Safe Price, Packs and Guarantee