Carbon monoxide poisoning protection

"People can recover from carbon monoxide poisoning if we can get to them quick enough." Jimmy Parks with Arkansas Children's Hospital says unfortunately that doesn't always happen, because carbon monoxide is a silent intruder. "One of the reasons that it's so dangerous is it's colorless and odorless. So it's a gas. You won't see it, you won't smell it but it's very deadly."

Parks says it also hides itself behind the symptoms of other illnesses like headache, nausea and weakness. "And it can get to the point where you're dizzy or weak and you become unconscious and even die."

If more than one person in the house has symptoms, and if you're able, get outdoors into the fresh air and dial 911. By the way, it will affect family pets in the same way.

So what appliances in your home have the potential to give off this toxic gas? If not working properly, things like your water heater, gas stove, gas fireplace logs, clothes dryer, home heater, that's why it's a good idea to have yearly professional check ups of your heating system every fall.

Even the family car can be deadly while still parked and left running. Always make sure the garage door is open before starting your car.

Parks says the best advice he has is to get a carbon monoxide detector. Detectors are different than smoke detectors. These should be placed about a foot off the ground.

About 20,000 people a year are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't let your family be among them. Get a carbon monoxide detector and use common sense when using products that run on combustible gas.

Here's a helpful list of safety tips:

Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
Do install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.
Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.
Don't heat your house with a gas oven.