The middle of the winter is prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your appliances and heating system are operating safely.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood, are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion. When incomplete combustion occurs, carbon monoxide is produced, and this can potentially lead to carbon-monoxide poisoning to a family.

The early stages of carbon-monoxide poisoning produce unexplained flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and mental confusion. Since carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to death by asphyxiation.

According to the Southern California Gas Co., these signs may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide:

• A yellow, large, and unsteady gas appliance burner flame (with the exception of decorative gas log appliances).
• An unusual pungent odor when the appliance is operating. This may indicate the creation of aldehydes, a by-product of incomplete combustion.
• Unexplained nausea, drowsiness and flu-like symptoms.

What to do if someone suspects carbon monoxide is present in their home:

• If safe to do so, immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance.
• Evacuate the premises and call 911.
• Seek medical attention if anyone in the home experiences possible carbon-monoxide poisoning symptoms.
• Contact The Gas Company or a licensed, qualified professional immediately to have the appliance inspected.
• Don’t use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and determined to be safe by The Gas Company or a licensed, qualified professional.

How to maintain and use gas appliances safely and efficiently:

• Clean inside the burner compartment of built-in, vented wall furnaces once a month during the heating season to prevent lint build-up.
• Inspect and replace furnace filters on forced-air units or central heating systems according to manufacturer instructions.
• When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front panel door properly in place.
• Never store anything near a gas appliance that might interfere with normal appliance airflow.
• Assure that appliance venting is intact and unblocked.
• In higher-altitude areas, where snow can accumulate on rooftops, ensure that gas appliance intake and exhaust vents are clear of obstructions.
• Never use gas ovens, ranges or outside barbeques for space heating.

Carbon-monoxide alarms may provide an extra measure of safety, but they also require routine maintenance such as battery replacement and the unit itself must be replaced periodically per manufacturer’s instructions. Even with alarms in place, regular gas appliance maintenance still is required.

Inspection and routine maintenance are still the best defense against accidental carbon-monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances.

Source: Southern California Gas Co. http://www.houselogic.com/news/articles/safety-tips-prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/