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By Sherri Lacy-Miles

As temperatures drop, it's important to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Change of season is a critical time of year," said Capt. Paul McDonough, public information officer with the Tucson Fire Department. "It's the switching-over from cooling to heating without taking the proper precautions and investing the proper maintenance that make the risk (of poisoning) go way up."

Headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability are all early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to the Tucson Fire Department, nationwide approximately 1,500 people a year die and another 10,000 are injured from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen at any time to anyone, McDonough said.

Prevention is simple: When making the switch from cooling to heating, homeowners should thoroughly check the ventilation system, making sure vents are clean and free of debris. Look for cracks or holes in the duct work. The area around the water heater and furnace closets should be clean. Flue pipes from top to bottom should not be blocked and should be free of cracks and holes.

"Problems occur when there is not proper ventilation," McDonough said.

Because the gas is odorless and colorless, people may not recognize that they're falling prey to it, he said.

"It can happen over a course of hours or a course of days," said McDonough. "It just depends on how big or small your home is, how much carbon monoxide is being pumped into your home and how much ventilation you have."

Automobiles, furnaces, space heaters and clothes dryers are just some of the sources that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, McDonough said.

Anyone can fall victim to the potentially fatal gas, but children and the elderly are at a greater risk of being unable to escape the fumes. "That's because the younger ones many times can't get out of the home, and the elderly are less likely to recognize the physical symptoms," McDonough said.

Carbon monoxide detectors are an inexpensive way to save a life. Ranging in price from about $15 to $35, detectors can usually be purchased at home centers or hardware stores.

If you have an older, multi-level home, detectors should be placed on each level.

Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important as smoke detectors, which should be placed between the kitchen and where you sleep. "But don't confuse the two," said McDonough. "They are very different devices that serve different purposes."

Tucson Fire Department offers free smoke detectors for those who cannot afford to purchase them. They do not offer carbon monoxide detectors. Call 791-4502 for more information.