BELLBROOK FIRE/EMS

The skinny on Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide detectors have become the latest trend in home detection -- but do you know what to do when the detector goes off?

Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless gas that is the product of incomplete combustion. Common sources include gas water heaters, gas ranges, gas furnaces and automobiles. CO is also produced by your fireplace, gas grills and other devices that require a flame or pilot light to operate.

Most CO detectors act like the hemoglobin in your blood. The sensor detects not only sharp spikes in the levels in your home, but will also activate the detector if a low level is present over an extended period of time.

Because CO compromises blood's ability to carry oxygen, it is important to treat every CO alarm as an emergency. If the detector goes off, close all windows and doors and call 9-1-1. After calling, evacuate the home.

If family members are feeling ill -- flu-like symptoms are common with CO poisoning -- evacuate the home and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home.