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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffSimple precautions can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Consider these do's and don'ts:
- Invest in carbon monoxide detectors. Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor or level of your home. Install additional detectors outside individual bedrooms. Check the batteries every time you check your smoke detector batteries — at least twice a year. If the alarm sounds, leave the house and call the fire department or local utility company from a nearby phone.
- Open the garage door before starting your car. Never run your car in a closed garage. If you have an attached garage, keep the garage door open and the door to the house firmly closed while the car is running. Remove snow or other debris from the tailpipe before using the car.
- Use gas appliances as recommended. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Use portable gas camp stoves only outdoors. Use fuel-burning space heaters only when someone is awake to monitor them and doors or windows are open to provide fresh air. Don't run a generator in an enclosed space, such as the basement or garage.
- Keep your gas appliances and fireplace in good repair. Make sure your appliances are properly vented. Clean your fireplace chimney and flue every year. Ask your utility company about yearly checkups for any gas appliances.
Take action quickly
If you notice signs or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning — headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion — get into fresh air and seek emergency medical care.
Fix the problem
If you were poisoned in your home, it's important to find and repair the source of the carbon monoxide before you return. Your local fire department or utility company can help.
