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Carbon Monoxide Safety

Rhode Island Energy

Stay safe around carbon monoxide

Often called “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and virtually impossible to recognize without a detector installed.


Although carbon monoxide is a normal by-product of fuel burning, malfunctioning appliances or improper ventilation can cause CO to reach dangerous levels in your home.

Tips for carbon monoxide safety

  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm marked with the 'UL' certification (UL 2034) near bedrooms
  • Contact your local municipality to get CO detector requirements for your area
  • Have your chimney and fuel-burning appliances checked annually by a qualified professional
  • Be sure all space heaters and woodstoves are in good condition and used in strict compliance with the manufacturer's instructions
  • Always turn off your car when it's parked inside a garage - a vehicle left running in a confined space is the most common cause of carbon monoxide accidents

Smell gas or suspect a leak?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you suspect a leak, go outside and call 911 or 1-800-640-1595.

Indicators of high levels of carbon monoxide in the home may include:

  • Extremely stuffy, stale air
  • Water condensation dripping on the inside of windows
  • Experiencing signs of carbon monoxide exposure: flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, nausea, fluttering of the heart, and loss of muscle control

Learn more about poisoning and prevention in our Carbon monoxide safety brochure (pdf).

Keep your family safe with alarms

Installing alarms in your home adds protection for your family. Understanding the different types of alarms is crucial:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors: These alarms alert you when carbon monoxide is present. This highly toxic gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
  • Smoke alarms: These devices alert you to the presence of smoke, indicating a fire.
  • Natural gas detectors (NGD): These alarms detect methane, signaling a gas leak.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, proper placement, and regular testing of each alarm.