Warning: carbon monoxide colorless, odorless and deadly

Marisa Petrich/Northwest Guardian

It’s common sense to make sure your fire alarm is in good working order. But have you been keeping tabs on your carbon monoxide detector?

Every year more than 400 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these deaths could be prevented with just a little preparation, according to Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fire Inspector Edward Chavez.

“You have to pre-plan, because when you’re trying to survive, you’re going to do whatever it takes to survive,” Chavez said.

Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, is found in combustion fumes from gas engines, stoves, generators and is even formed by burning wood and charcoal. It becomes a problem in situations when there is no proper ventilation (say, in your garage where your car is warming up) and frequently after power outages when people take unusual measures to cook or heat their living spaces.

When carbon monoxide builds up in enclosed spaces, it can lead to loss of consciousness and death in animals and people. But when people are cold and hungry, that’s probably not their first concern, Chavez said.

Instead, those who have lost power will do whatever it takes to get back into their comfort zone. Some might bring a barbecue inside to cook, for instance, or close off the fireplace flue before going to bed, even if it hasn’t quite died.

“Smoke will go the path of least resistance,” Chavez said, and that could mean it goes out into the room instead of up through the chimney.

The best way to avoid situations like this is to take care with any household items that generate smoke or fumes and be sure to use them properly, he said. Make sure generators are placed the recommended distance away from doors and windows, and take the extra minute to make sure the exhaust is pointed away from the house. Also regularly check furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys, water heaters and range hoods — and don’t use items not meant for indoor heating and cooking in your home.

“You want to have a CO detector,” Chavez added, pointing out that it’s a separate piece of equipment from your every day household fire alarm.

As always, it’s better to ask the questions now than to wait until it’s too late.

“If you need us, we’re only a phone call away,” Chavez said.

For information, call 966-7156.