Beware of carbon monoxide in cold weather

Carbon monoxide - odorless, colorless and tasteless - is a deadly hazard all year round, but it becomes a particular threat during cold weather, when space heaters, furnaces and stoves become the must-have appliances.

All fuel-burning equipment and appliances create the risk for carbon monoxide, including water heaters, gas furnaces, wood and gas fireplaces, generators and automobile engines.

At its mildest, carbon monoxide poisoning can feel a little like the flu, causing headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, confusion, fainting and vomiting.

But at its worst, exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal. In 2008, exposure to carbon monoxide resulted in at least 47 U.S. deaths, according to data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System. Those deaths only account for those reported to or managed by a poison center.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers offers these tips for combating carbon monoxide during cold times:

Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside a house, garage, closed-in porch or tent.

Have your furnace inspected and adjusted before every heating season.

Never use a generator inside your home -- not even in the garage or porch. Keep it outside, far from the house.

Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the house.

Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.

Never sleep in a parked car while the engine is running.

If you have a working fireplace, make sure the flue is open and the chimney is not blocked when burning wood or gas logs. Have your chimney, fireplace, and wood stoves, and flues inspected before every heating season. Never use charcoal in the fireplace.

Get a carbon monoxide detector, with a battery back-up system, for your home. If you have a big house, get more than one detector.

If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, take your cell or cordless phone and leave the house immediately. Call 911 or the fire department from outside the home. Remember you can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, so an alarm may be your only warning.

Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers