You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But carbon monoxide (CO) can be one of the most dangerous threats in your home — and it can strike without warning. Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. are hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning, often caused by common household appliances or heating systems that malfunction.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, wood, or charcoal don’t burn completely. Inside the home, this can happen when:
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A gas furnace or water heater malfunctions or lacks proper ventilation
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A fireplace or wood stove isn’t vented properly
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A car runs inside a garage, even with the door open
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A generator or grill is used too close to doors or windows
When CO builds up in an enclosed space, it replaces oxygen in your bloodstream — a process that can lead to dizziness, headaches, confusion, and even death within minutes.
Early Warning Signs of CO Poisoning
Because CO is colorless and odorless, it’s easy to overlook. Be alert to symptoms that appear similar to the flu but improve when you leave the house:
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Headaches, nausea, or dizziness
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue or confusion
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Chest pain (especially in people with heart disease)
If multiple people or pets in your home experience these symptoms at once, leave the house immediately and call 911.
Why Monitored CO Detection Is Essential
A standard battery-operated CO detector can alert you if dangerous levels are present — but what if you’re asleep, at work, or away from home?
That’s where monitored carbon monoxide detection from Crime Prevention Security Systems makes the difference.
Protect Your Family with Smart Safety
A monitored CO detector is more than a device — it’s a lifesaving layer of protection.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Prevention is simple, effective, and affordable.
Call 800-949-1799 to learn more about adding monitored carbon monoxide protection to your CPSS security system.
