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This
information on carbon monoxide in your home is provided in cooperation with
Reliant Energy/Minnegaso.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It can form in homes when there is not enough fresh air for
complete combustion of fuel in furnaces, wood-burning stoves and other fuel-burning appliances. Other common
sources of CO include motor vehicle exhaust, fireplaces, gasoline-powered engines or machines, charcoal-burning
barbecue grills, kerosene heaters and appliances.
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What
should you do if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds? |
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Assess the health of people in the house. Call 9-1-1 if anyone is experiencing symptoms of
CO poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, breathing difficulties, nausea, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the
skin) or unconsciousness.
If there appears to be no immediate health hazards, call Minnegasco for assistance,
612.372.5050, or an appliance repair service.
Open windows to ventilate the home.
Consider leaving the home until assistance arrives, to avoid the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
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How is CO created?
As
homes become more energy efficient, or if they are not properly ventilated, they can have a shortage of fresh
air. When fuel-burning appliances and other equipment are inadequately vented or if they malfunction, they can
create CO. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in your home during the winter when ventilation is generally
poorest.
What are the signs of CO poisoning & build-up?
Symptoms
of CO poisoning. These include: sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or other flu-like symptoms.
Signs
that a fuel-burning appliance is not receiving enough fresh air for combustion. These include: excessive
humidity in the house indicated by heavily frosted windows; a peculiar, stale odor and burning eyes when an appliance
is operating; a fireplace that doesnt draw properly.
To prevent CO buildup:
Make
sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly vented with an adequate fresh air supply and are in good operating condition.
Never
use a charcoal barbecue grill inside your home or garage.
Never
run an automobile inside a garage.
Perform
annual maintenance checks on your home ventilation system, fireplace and chimney. Contact a heating contractor.
Purchasing a carbon monoxide detector for your home
Carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to
detect dangerous levels of CO in your home. Features to look for include:
- The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) symbol. It shows that a product meets the recommended
safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
- A memory feature that allows you to check for high readings that may have occurred
while you were out or sleeping.
- A unit that plugs into your electrical source and does not require a sensor replacement after a false alarm.
- A digital readout of the amount of CO. This will help you determine how you should respond. A
high readout requires immediate evacuation of the home and possibly medical attention. A lower reading gives you
an opportunity to contact a utility company such as Minnegasco or an appliance repair service.
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