Smoke detectors to alert of fire are pretty much a given. But the need for a warning system and protection from carbon monoxide are often overlooked.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious health risk in homes across America. But did you know only one-third of American homes have carbon monoxide detectors? With fire comes the smell of something burning and often visible smoke. But that’s not the case with CO. The invisible, odorless, and poisonous gas is the byproduct of any fuel-burning appliances, including natural gas, propane, wood, coal, and oil. If undetected, carbon monoxide can be deadly within minutes.

Everyone is susceptible to CO poisoning and those with weakened immune systems are placed at greater risk. This includes small children, those with chronic diseases, asthma, and the elderly.

This harmful gas kills more than 500 people in the United States annually and leaves more than 10,000 people poisoned each year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. For this reason, many states require CO detectors in residential homes. A carbon monoxide detector should be considered as important to your home as a smoke detector.

Winter dangers for carbon monoxide poisoning

Winter is actually the riskiest season for carbon monoxide poisonings, so it’s a good time to be informed and take extra precautions. Fortunately carbon monoxide detectors are fairly inexpensive and easy to install.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

At moderate levels of exposure, symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, gather family members and immediately leave the house. Seak fresh air, call the fire department, and visit an emergency room right away.

Where to install carbon monoxide detectors

Make sure to install carbon monoxide alarms in a central location on each level of your home, most importantly outside sleeping areas. Also be sure to place them more than five feet from ovens and away from bathrooms or areas with high humidity. It’s also a good idea to install one in the basement or in the same room as your furnace or boiler.

Here are some other important recommendations for carbon monoxide safety:

• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

• Install and replace carbon monoxide detectors according to manufacturer’s instructions. A typical life cycle of a carbon monoxide detector is 5-7 years, however it’s essential to replace batteries when necessary and test carbon monoxide detectors a few times per season.

• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and debris, especially after snowstorms.

• Make sure all appliances in your home are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Have a professional inspect your heating system and chimney annually.

• Never use gas appliances such as ranges, stoves, or dryers to heat your home. Choose appliances that vent their fumes outside whenever possible.

• Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting, even if the garage door is open.

• Never use any fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, or vehicle.

While some states do not require CO alarms be installed in residences, they are a simple solution for a significant safety risk, especially during colder months.

How to install a carbon monoxide detector

It's simple to install a CO detector in your garage and have it connected to your home security system. If the CO level reaches a high enough concentration, it triggers the alarm, warning the family to leave the garage. CO alarms will sound until the garage is cleared of gas. Remember, fire and smoke don't have to be present for the alarm to sound.

If you're still wondering where to place carbon monoxide detectors, here are some specifics. If your garage is enclosed and attached to your home, close to a room occupied by residents, be sure to place a CO detector within 10 feet of the door to the garage. It's also important to place a CO detector in any rooms above the garage, particularly close to a sleeping area.

Maintain any machinery with small engines housed in the garage. Don't run your car, any generators or other types of equipment inside your garage with the doors closed. It's important to be particularly careful of fuel burning devices that have the potential of smoke or even fire as carbon monoxide levels can build.

Don’t forget the garage

A common question people have is where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The garage is one of the main places where CO accumulates, and preventing a buildup is critical. Although requirements for carbon monoxide detector placement in the home have increased, many people overlook the need to install CO alarms in the garage.

Most garages house anywhere from one to three cars per family and an assortment of other belongings. A garage can be attached or detached and is often treated as an actual extension of your home with a workspace, areas for children to store toys and places for pets to play.

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