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1. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas. It is often the result of products not ventilating completely and produced when things such as oil, gas or coal burn. Since you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it’s there.

2. How can carbon monoxide harm me?

Carbon monoxide affects what you need the most to survive - oxygen. The carbon monoxide bonds with your oxygen-carrying blood cells (hemoglobin) and takes the place of oxygen. When this happens it can cause you to get very ill. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. As the amount of carbon monoxide increases you can begin to have any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Eventually brain damage or death

Victims exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide can become seriously ill or die under 15 minutes!

3. Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide can be produced by gas or oil appliances such as a furnace, clothes dryer, range, oven, water heater or space heater. Majority of the problems take place when appliances are not working properly. From the 1st moment you notice a problem try and get it fixed. Sometimes problems can even start if things are working well. That is why it is important to check fuel burning appliances including, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

4. Where should you install the carbon monoxide alarm(s)?

According to the life safety Code (NFPA 101) Carbon Monoxide alarms are required in one and two family dwellings when they have attached garages or have fuel burning appliances / heating systems.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed:

- In the hallway outside of the sleeping rooms, located where you can hear the alarm if it were to activate.
- At least one alarm on each occupiable level of a residence including basements. 

Also it is recommended that:

- Alarms are kept out of reach of children and pets
- Not placed near gas or oil appliances (at least 15 - 20 feet away)
- Do not place where the alarm will have exposure to strong cleaners or high humidity

The Romeoville Fire Prevention Bureau will gladly assist residents (such as seniors or the disabled) in checking and installing of your carbon monoxide detectors. Please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045.