Washington State law requires that homes have a carbon monoxide detector when they're sold. A simple unit that plugs into any electrical outlet meets the standards.

Residents who don't have a CO detector installed, should consider getting one, even if you don't have gas appliances.

"If you have an attached garage, carbon monoxide can get into your house, small amounts can also seep up through the ground," said Captain Brian Ellis with the Kennewick Fire Department. "If you find that you're getting a headache, and your carbon monoxide alarm is beeping-- don't unplug it. That's a sign that you need to get out of the house."

Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, so it's difficult to detect without an alarm.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion. If you start experiencing any of those symptoms, get to a well-ventilated area, preferably outside or near an open window. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause you to lose consciousness, and as the levels of CO in the blood stream rise, it can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Fire officials recommend a carbon monoxide detector that's installed near ground level.
Fire officials recommend a carbon monoxide detector that's installed near ground level.
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"I recommend a smoke alarm for detecting smoke, and a separate carbon monoxide alarm for detecting carbon monoxide," Ellis said. Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and sinks to the ground, so the best place to set up a CO detector is near the ground rather than combined with a smoke detector installed on the ceiling.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common during the winter months, and fire officials encourage you to be diligent about the safe use of heating and cooking elements to reduce your risk. That includes only operating a generator outdoors and keeping it away from windows and doors. Also, only use gas or charcoal grills outside, and make sure vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are clear after a snowfall.

If you need help installing a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, you can contact your local fire agency or the American Red Cross.

You can visit the National Fire Protection Association website for more tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

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