The Lofgrens probably weren't thinking about it, either. We take for granted that rental properties are well-maintained and that landlords take steps to ensure guests' safety and their liability.

It makes me wonder if I will pack a carbon monoxide detector the next time I venture off into the world. I probably won't, but I do think my husband and I will be asking a lot more questions about the safety features of the properties in the future because carbon monoxide is an insidious killer. It is an odorless but toxic gas. It kills about 500 people a year.

On the home front, a two-prong approach seems to make the most sense — annual checks of one's furnace, water heater, appliances and chimneys — and installing — and maintaining — carbon monoxide detectors.

Marjorie Cortez, who urges readers to buy carbon monoxide detectors if they don't have them already, is a Deseret News editorial writer. E-mail her at Marjorie@desnews.com