Safeguard for Carbon Monoxide

Properly maintained appliance and heating equipment is the first step in safeguarding against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lethal gas produced by burning fuels

What’s invisible, odorless and colorless but can really make you sick? You guessed it — carbon monoxide (CO)!

This potentially lethal gas is created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane, burn incompletely. And the danger is no joke — according to the National Safety Council, 200-300 unintentional-injury deaths a year are due to CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches.

To protect against CO Emergencies, install CO alarms in a central location outside each sleeping area and test monthly; never use your oven to heat your home; don’t run a fuel-burning vehicle or generator indoors, even if garage doors are open; only use barbecue grills — which can produce CO — outside. Never use them in the home, garage or near building openings.

When camping, remember to use battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, and motor homes.

If your CO alarm sounds:

• Immediately move to a fresh air location and call for help. Remain at the fresh air location until emergency personnel say it is OK.

• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries or other trouble indicators.

• If you suspect that gas heating equipment or appliances are emitting carbon monoxide, call the appropriate repair service or NW Natural immediately at 503-226-4211.

“Properly maintained appliances and heating equipment is the first step to safeguarding against CO poisoning,” said Jenna Cooper-Gross NW Natural spokesperson.

If a natural gas range or other gas equipment stops working, customers shouldn’t attempt to re-light them. Contact NW Natural.