You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t touch it. But carbon monoxide can kill you and your pets—and it happens quickly. As the weather grows colder and more people are using coal, oil, and gas to heat their homes, the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning increases.

Use this checklist to help make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent a tragedy in your home or office.

1. Service all appliances and heating systems annually—hire a qualified technician.
2. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure the batteries are charged. Change the batteries twice each year when you change your smoke detector batteries.
3. Ensure all stoves and fireplaces are properly vented.
4. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, evacuate immediately and call 911.
5. If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, evacuate immediately and call 911.
6. Never use a gas oven for heating—ovens are only for cooking.

To learn more, visit the Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Safety Center.