Understanding the Risk    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. CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

WHAT ACTIONS DO I TAKE IF MY CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM GOES OFF? Silence the alarm. Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace). Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows. Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.

If illness is a factor: Evacuate all occupants immediately. Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms. Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill. Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative. Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO. When in Doubt, contact Shawnee Twp. Fire Department (419)991-4055 (EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER)

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM CO POISONING Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present. Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year. Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage. Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.