Carbon Monoxide Safety

Is your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning?


Family by fireplaceCarbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that is produced as result of incomplete combustion when fuel burning appliances are not properly adjusted or ventilated.  


The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without fever) and will typically affect everyone in a household where CO is present.  These symptoms may include:

  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurred Vision

If you experience any of these symptoms inside your home, but not outside; your home may contain unsafe levels of CO.  

Home Safety Tips:

  • CO detectors are not required but are recommended.

  • Follow manufacturers' instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.

  • Have your gas appliances installed and serviced by qualified industry professionals.

  • Always inspect all gas appliances, connectors, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys, and gas lines to your home and replace them if necessary.

  • Replace your furnace air filters monthly throughout the heating season.

  • Never operate gasoline powered engines or charcoal grills in closed garages, basements, or buildings.  

Unlike carbon monoxide, natural gas has an odorant which is added to provide a distinctive and immediately recognizable smell. The odorant provides a "rotten egg" smell to assist you in detecting even the smallest of leaks. If you have a diminished sense of smell, audible alarms are available which sound when natural gas is detected.  More information.

 

Information from the Consumer Products Safety Commission

Frequently asked question about Carbon Monoxide

In English 
En Espanol


Carbon monoxide detectors

CO safety picture

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get fresh air immediately, seek medical attention if necessary, and call the City of Mesa at (480) 644-4277 (GASS) or 911.   

 

 

 

 

Energy Resources Department

Address:   PO Box 1466
                 Mesa, AZ 85211

Phone:     480-644-4444
               (Non-Emergency)

Email

Office Hours: 
Monday - Thursday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Gas Odors or Emergencies: 
480-644-4277 (GASS) or 911
(24 hours/7 days)

Electric Emergencies: 
480-644-2266 or 911
(24 hours/7 days)

Report Utility Theft

Contacts:

Frank McRae, Department Manager

Michael Comstock, Deputy Director