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Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning
claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,000 people to hospital
emergency rooms for treatment.1
The Crookston Fire Department would like you to know that there are simple
steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
What is carbon monoxide?
• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because
it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you
before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure,
CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms
include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The
effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending
on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
• CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal
grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.
Who is at risk?
• Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe
that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with
heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.
WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON
MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF?
What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on
whether anyone is feeling ill or not.
If no one is feeling ill:
1. Silence the alarm.
2. Feel Free to contact the Crookston Fire Dept. to conduct an investigation
of the home to be sure there are no threats of Carbon Monoxide present.
3. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and
fireplace).
4. Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.