Carbon Monoxide

Bristol Borough Fire Service Presents

Carbon Monoxide: The Quiet Killer

Unintentional carbon monoxide exposure accounts for an estimated 15,000 emergency department visits and 500 unintentional deaths in the United States each year.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless and TOXIC.  You can not see it, taste or smell the TOXIC fumes.  CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.  Lower levels of exposure cause mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu.

Symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Disorientation
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

Safety Tips

Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.  Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.  When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking system.

  • Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window
  • Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open
  • Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented
  • Don’t heat your house with a gas oven

If your Carbone Monoxide detector sounds you are to leave your home imediately and call 911.  Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

If the alarm sounds and no one is feeling ill:

  1. Silence the alarm
  2. Turn off al appliances and sources of combustion
  3. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows
  4. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible carbon monoxide (CO)

If illness IS a factor:

  1. Evacuate all occupants immediately
  2. Determine how may occupants are ill and determine their symptoms
  3. Dial 9-1-1 and report the number of people feeling ill
  4. Do not re-enter the house without the approval of a fire department representative
  5. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible carbon monoxide (CO)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE STATION