Simple steps may prevent death or injury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unborn babies, infants and those with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are most susceptible to carbon monoxide. Each year more than 500 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning.

• Use a carbon monoxide detector outside each sleeping area in a house.

• Make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained and operated

• Have furnaces, water heaters and gas dryers inspected annually

• Be sure fireplace chimneys and flues are checked and cleaned annually

• Only use unvented fuel-burning space heaters while someone is awake to monitor them and doors or windows in the room are open to provide fresh air

• Have exhaust systems and tailpipes on vehicles routinely inspected for defects and see that snow or ice don't block the tailpipe.