Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the invisible killer and is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can be created in the home when heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are not properly ventilated or are malfunctioning. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in a home. Signs of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and disorientation.

Minnesota Statute 299F.51 requires approved CO alarms in all single family homes and multifamily apartment units. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room or inside each sleeping room and should be tested monthly.

If a CO alarm sounds and you feel ill, call 911 immediately.

Help prevent CO buildup in your home by clearing snow and debris from furnace, dryer, fireplace and oven vents around your home. Learn more by viewing the MN State Fire Marshal CO Alarm Fact Sheet (PDF).