November is recognized as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and NIPSCO says it wants to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide in the community to help keep everyone safe. The Merrillville-based utility says carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “Silent Killer” because it is an odorless, tasteless, and non-corrosive gas and the most reliable way to determine whether you have a CO leak is to have fully functional CO detectors in your home on every level and in every room where someone sleeps. The company also says remember to test and replace CO detector batteries on a regular basis.
If you think carbon monoxide is present or your CO detector sounds, leave the area to get fresh air, immediately call 911, and do not go back until repairs are made and it is safe to reenter, a news release from NIPSCO said. To learn more including information about ensuring proper ventilation for appliances, visit NIPSCO.com/co .
Additional information provided by NIPSCO:
Know the Symptoms
With CO poisoning, you may experience flu-like symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, irregular breathing or feeling ill. If CO is present in your home, you may feel tired at home but
fine when away from home. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Carbon monoxide can be fatal within five
minutes at high concentrations.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning & Emergencies
• Don’t start up vehicles in your garage without the garage door being open
• Do have fuel burning equipment, like your furnace, inspected annually by a qualified technician
– which also helps ensure your appliances are running and using energy efficiently
• Don’t start gasoline-powered equipment in the garage
• Do keep vents and chimneys clear of debris or other blockages
• Don’t use a gas or charcoal grill in your garage
• Do check for visible signs of problems such as high humidity, soot, or water collecting near a
burner or vent
• Don’t use a stove or oven as a source of heat in your home; ovens are designed to heat food and
should only be operated with the door closed
