Experts offer safety tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Public Health are urging Illinoisans to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning.“As temperatures drop and Illinois residents begin using furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said in the release. “Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working properly, have heating equipment inspected and maintained regularly, and never ignore a CO alarm.”November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, Gov. JB Pritzker proclaimed in a news release from the state agency. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide poisoning sends more than 100,000 people to the emergency room and kills more than 1,200 people each year in the United States, according to the news release.Carbon monoxide is