If an alarm sounds
Do this now
- Get everyone outside into fresh air, including pets.
- Leave the door open on your way out.
- Call 911 from outside or a neighbor’s home.
- Stay out until the fire department says it is safe.
In the days after an exposure
- See a doctor, even if you feel better, and say you suspect carbon monoxide.
- Ask for the reports from the fire department and gas utility.
- Keep the equipment. Don’t let anyone remove or repair it before it is inspected, if you can avoid it.
- Write things down: who was affected, symptoms, times and who you spoke to.
- Don’t sign anything from a landlord, hotel or insurer until you understand your rights.
The first few days decide what can be proved later.
Preventing exposure at home
- Fit carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas.
- Service heating, water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances every year.
- Have chimneys and flues checked and cleared each year.
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or within 20 feet of doors, windows or vents.
- Never use a charcoal grill, camp stove or gas oven to heat a home or tent.
- Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the door open.
- Clear snow from vents, flues and car tailpipes after storms.
When you travel
Hotels, vacation rentals, cabins and RVs don’t always have alarms. A small portable carbon monoxide alarm in your luggage costs little and works anywhere there is a fuel-burning appliance nearby.