Ways to protect your children

5. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Install a Warning System.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas formed when a fuel burns incompletely. It can be found in homes from many potential sources such as oil and gas furnaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters, or cars and trucks left running. Carbon monoxide can be deadly. It can be especially harmful for children because they breathe more rapidly and inhale more deeply. Every home should have working carbon monoxide alarms. Some carbon monoxide alarms are built into smoke and fire alarms. Others are similar looking stand-alone devices. They should be located in several places throughout the living spaces of a home.

Steps You Can Take:

• Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms are available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Be sure to carefully follow the installation directions. Some detectors, for example, are supposed to be installed close to the floor since carbon monoxide is heavier than air. Replace the batteries annually when changing the batteries in smoke and fire alarms.

• Ensure All Fuel-Burning Equipment is Properly Maintained. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning in a home are improperly maintained furnaces, wood stoves, or kerosene heaters. Ensure all home heating equipment is properly maintained and follow all of the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

• Never Leave a Car Running in the Garage. The exhaust from cars and trucks contains carbon monoxide. Leaving them running inside a garage allows carbon monoxide levels to rise to potentially dangerous levels. Never leave an automobile running in a garage.