According to the CDC, carbon monoxide is responsible for the deaths of 400 Americans each year and over 20,000 visits to the emergency room. The main reason for this is because not only is carbon monoxide highly toxic, but it is also odorless and invisible. As the weather changes and winter approaches, many of us will start using our fireplaces and heaters more frequently, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning… if we’re not prepared. 
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Since it is tasteless, odorless and invisible, a carbon monoxide leak is difficult to identify. Therefore, the installation of carbon monoxide detectors, around your home, is an important step to keeping you and your family safe. Carbon monoxide detectors can provide protection since they can alert you to dangerous levels. You should place a detector outside your sleeping quarters, i.e. in the main hallway. According to industry experts and the CDC, Ideally, you should also place a detector on each floor and inside each bedroom for complete confidence.
Have Your Furnace Serviced:
Gas furnaces burn fuel to produce heat in your home. Under normal circumstances, this process is safe and efficient. Unfortunately, if your furnace has not been properly maintained, there is a far greater risk of carbon monoxide fumes being emitted.
During service, a qualified and trained technician will perform a thorough inspection of your furnace to ensure that there are no potentially dangerous leaks. The technician will also ensure that the furnace is operating safely at optimum efficiency. This will not only ensure that you and your family are safe from carbon monoxide exposure, but that you won’t be wasting energy and money.
Have Your Heating Vents and Chimney Inspected:
Even in a moderate climate like the greater Los Anegeles and San Fernando Valley area, a fireplace is the best way to keep your home feeling warm and comfortable in colder winter weather. Although, it isn’t necessary that your chimney be swept each year, this does not mean that it doesn’t need some attention. To minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important that a trained expert properly inspect your chimney before you light the first fire of winter.
Additionally, you should also have the vents of your gas furnace inspected to ensure that they are sealed and clear of any debris. Even a small obstruction in the flue or vent can allow dangerous carbon monoxide fumes to accumulate inside your home.
Be Aware of Warning Symptoms:
It is critically important that you know and understand the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The fumes can be highly dangerous, so you need to take immediate action if you suspect a leak in your home. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, a dull headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. This can be especially problematic if exposure occurs when you and your family are sleeping. Unfortunately, irreversible brain damage and death can occur before a problem is detected, so it is important to always be carbon monoxide aware.