How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas which can cause death. Protect yourself, and the ones you love by taking simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A carbon monoxide detector

1. Carbon Monoxide(CO) is more dense and heavier than air, therefore, it builds up from the ground. It is inexcusable for ANY home to be with out a CO detector regardless of what your state or community requires.

2. When purchasing your CO detector, you will have a choice of three:
   A plug in model (often with battery backup)
   A battery operated model
   A combination smoke/CO detector (GREAT for basements)

3. Once you have gotten your detector, you will need to place it on the lowest level of your home. If you have a basement, put it there, if not, the first floor will do.

4. When placing your detector, if not a plug in model, it should be no higher than 3 feet from the floor. You want it to detect the CO before it builds up enough that you are noticing the effects.

5. A combination smoke/CO detector can be safely placed on the ceiling of a basement that is NOT used for recreation.

6. If required, batteries should be changed every 6 months.

[SeventhSibling]

on 9/5/2008 Great advice!