steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning include the following: purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and near sleeping areas. detectors that have been verified by underwriters laboratory (ul) and have been manufactured after october 1995 conform to minimum alarm requirements. those marked ul 2034 or ias 6-96 have met the u. s. consumer product safety commission guidelines. follow the directions for installing and using the detector carefully. be prepared by knowing what to do if the detector alarm sounds-tell everyone in the house or building to get out and call the fire department or your local utility company from a nearby phone. even if you are using a carbon monoxide detector have your heating system inspected each year. don't ignore possible symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches nausea and dizziness especially if more than one person in your home or workplace has these symptoms. heat sources have your heating appliances chimneys and vents inspected each year. all appliances should be working and vented properly to allow gas to escape from enclosed areas. look at appliances chimneys and vents for visible soot rust stains blockage or corrosion. don't use kerosene or propane heaters in an enclosed area such as a recreational vehicle camper motor home trailer or tent. don't use a kitchen oven especially a gas oven to heat your home. don't close the fireplace or wood/pellet stove damper before the fire is completely out. car exhaust don't sit in a parked car with the windows closed and the engine running. don't run the car engine in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area such as a garage even if the garage door is open. don't ride in the back of a pickup truck with a camper shell. cooking don't burn charcoal or use a charcoal or propane grill indoors or in a recreational vehicle camper motor home trailer or tent. other sources don't place outdoor power generators or pressure washers near windows or doors of your home. don't smoke cigarettes or be near someone who is smoking in a poorly ventilated room. don't use paint remover that contains methylene chloride. (methylene chloride converts to carbon monoxide in the body. ) for more information see how to monitor household carbon monoxide levels. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
how can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?