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CHAPTER 5:
Protecting Your Family
Protecting Your Family From CO Poisoning
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of
protection. It monitors the air and sounds a
loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels
become threatening for average, healthy adults.
A CO Alarm is not a substitute for proper
maintenance of home appliances.
To help prevent CO problems and reduce the
risk of CO poisoning:
• Clean chimneys and flues yearly. Keep
them free of debris, leaves, and nests for
proper air flow. Also, have a professional
check for rust and corrosion, cracks, or
separations. These conditions can prevent
proper air movement and cause back-
drafting. Never “cap” or cover a chimney
in any way that would block air flow.
• Test and maintain all fuel-burning equip-
ment annually. Many local gas or oil com-
panies and HVAC companies offer
appliance inspections for a nominal fee.
• Make regular visual inspections of all
fuel-burning appliances. Check appli-
ances for excessive rust and scaling.
Also check the flame on the burner and
pilot lights. The flame should be blue.
A yellow flame means fuel is not being
burned completely and CO may be
present. Keep the blower door on the
furnace closed. Use vents or fans when
they are available on all fuel-burning
appliances. Make sure appliances are
vented to the outside. Do not grill or
barbecue indoors, or in garages or on
screen porches.
• Check for exhaust backflow from CO
sources. Check the draft hood on an
operating furnace for a backdraft. Look
for cracks on furnace heat exchangers.
• Check the house or garage on the other
side of shared wall.
• Keep windows and doors open slightly.
If you suspect that CO is escaping into
your home, open a window or a door.
Opening windows and doors can signifi-
cantly decrease CO levels.
In addition, familiarize yourself with the
enclosed checklist, read this manual in its
entirety, and make sure you understand
what to do if your CO Alarm alarms.
M06_1043_001.E Page 16 Thursday, July 13, 2000 8:20 AM
