Channahon, IL – As colder weather moves into Illinois, the Channahon Fire Protection District is urging residents to take precautions against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning — a silent but deadly threat that claims roughly 1,000 lives each year in the U.S.
According to the district, homeowners should ensure that working carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of their home and near sleeping areas. Officials also warned never to run generators or use grills indoors, and to keep windows slightly open when using kerosene heaters.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly become fatal when heating equipment malfunctions or is improperly ventilated. Fire officials emphasized that gas ovens should never be used as a heat source, and if a home’s heating system fails, residents should stay warm by closing off unused rooms and wearing layered, lightweight clothing.
The department also shared a diagram illustrating optimal CO alarm placement — typically on ceilings or high on walls, at least three feet from doors and windows, and one meter from fuel-burning appliances.
The Channahon Fire Protection District urges residents to review manufacturer guidelines for heater use and test CO detectors regularly, especially as winter approaches.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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