A life can be snuffed out in the most tragic, stealthy manner.  Carbon monoxide is a culprit that kills, and its victims may never know what hit them.  The phrase “sneak attack” does not overstate the threat.

But carbon monoxide’s killer instincts can be thwarted.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas resulting from the combustion of hydrocarbons like natural gas, gasoline, or oil.  It can be found in the exhaust of a small engine, an automobile, or a furnace in the home.

Fall weather is just a few weeks away.  On the first chilly day, furnaces will go on for the first time this season.  Furnaces are a wonderful modern amenity, but also emit carbon monoxide.  When that byproduct of combustion goes up the chimney, there is no problem.  But leaks can develop over time, allowing carbon monoxide into your living spaces.  There are two preventive measures you can take.  Have your furnace checked out to ensure its integrity and purchase a carbon monoxide detector.  Those simple investments will pay immense dividends for your safety and those in your dwelling.

This photo illustrates what can happen to an older furnace.  The heat exchanger developed leaks allowing carbon monoxide to escape into the living area.  Fortunately, a carbon monoxide alarm alerted the residents before it was too late.