Safety Precautions

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, appliances should be maintained and properly used, experts say. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, here are the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

* Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

* Have all fuel-burning appliances--including oil and gas furnaces, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves--inspected by a trained professional every year. Chimneys and flues should be connected, in good condition and not blocked.

* Appliances that emit fumes should vent to the outside whenever possible.

* Read and follow all instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you must use unvented gas or kerosene space heaters, they should be used only in rooms that are well ventilated and never be used where someone is sleeping.

* Don’t idle the car in the garage, even if the garage door is open as fumes can quickly spread to the living area of the house.

* Never use a gas or range oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

* Don’t use gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws or generators) in enclosed spaces.

* Recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Buy a carbon monoxide detector, most of which are under $100.