Impossible to see, taste or smell, carbon monoxide can kill before you even know it's there.Carbon monoxide safety begins with one simple truth: The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning often come too late.Key factsBecause carbon monoxide is impossible to see, taste or smell, carbon monoxide can kill before you even know it's there.Each year, about 480 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning.15,200 people are sent to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.Understanding how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning may go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe.Where does carbon monoxide come from?To know how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, let's look at where it can enter your home.Carbon monoxide can originate from sources as diverse as:Unvented kerosene or gas space heatersBack-drafting or leaking chimneys and furnacesGas water heatersGas stoves, wood stoves and fireplacesGenerators and other gasoline-powered equipmentAutomobile exhaust from attached garagesPurchase a carbon monoxide detector for each floor of your home as a preventive measure. Place them near sleeping areas on the lower half of the wall, and replace batteries annually. Like a smoke detector, test them on a monthly basis. If the alarm sounds, call your local fire department immediately.How to prevent carbon monoxideWhen it's time to fire up the furnace or throw a log on the fireplace, keep in mind that your risk of carbon monoxide exposure rises when temps drop. These tips can help you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:Have your heating systems inspected annually by a trained service technicianInstall additional ventilation in garagesInstall exhaust fans to vent gas stoves outdoorsKeep fireplace flues open when in useNever use gas appliances such as stoves or dryers for heating your homeNever idle an automobile inside a garageNever use a generator inside your home or garage because deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up quickly and remain for hours after the generator has been turned offPerforming routine maintenance on devices at risk for emitting carbon monoxide can help you reduce your risk of carbon monoxide exposure.Watch for these signs of carbon monoxide poisoningIt's essential to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so if an issue does arise, you can identify it and seek treatment right away.Health effects from carbon monoxide vary depending on exposure. The higher the concentration level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.Low levels of carbon monoxide can cause:HeadacheFatigueShortness of breathNauseaDizzinessHigher concentrations can result in:VomitingLoss of muscular coordinationMental confusionLoss of consciousnessAffected individuals may also have flu-like symptoms after leaving home. Extended exposure at high levels, however, can be fatal. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing flu-like symptoms and you believe it may be due to carbon monoxide exposure, seek medical care immediately.--SOURCES"Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Nd. Web. 29 Aug. 2016. ."Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 14 July 2016. Web. 29 Aug. 2016. ."The Invisible Killer." United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nd. Web. 29 Aug. 2016. ."Protect Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning." United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nd. Web. 29 Aug. 2016.