Lifetimetv.com: What Should You Do?

DETECTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas that is responsible for 500 deaths in the United States every year. It sends another 10,000 individuals to the ER. Preventive measures in the home are essential in order to avoid poisoning. Be prepared:

» Hire someone to inspect your gas appliances annually. Have it done in the fall, before the winter heating season begins.

» Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing and blurry vision. Take notice if you or someone you love suddenly feels these symptoms simultaneously.

» Never bring a charcoal grill inside! Using one indoors could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

» If you suspect someone is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, take the person outside and to a hospital immediately. He or she will need pure oxygen.

» Buy a carbon monoxide detector and place it near your furnace or heater. Test the alarm and make sure it's loud enough.

» For more information, consult Carbon Monoxide Kills, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Safety Council.

Tell us what you would do on the message boards.