(Undated) — The Crawford County Emergency Management Agency, along with the Illinois State Fire Marshal, is reminding the public of the importance of carbon monoxide detectors. As we begin turning up our thermostats to stay warm during the winter season, comes an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide incidents. State officials say that unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters, and make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are functioning properly. Symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. They say other signs of possible CO presence include condensation on walls and windows, house pets becoming sluggish, and chronic odors from malfunctioning appliances. For more information, visit sfm.illinois.gov.
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