By Zaira Carcamo

No longer is it monsters lurking in the shadows that we fear. Instead they have been replaced by real threats. The threat, especially in these winter months, is carbon monoxide (CO). It is also known as the Silent Killer because of its odorless, colorless features that make it so difficult to detect.

Each year, carbon monoxide poisoning kills nearly 500 people nationwide and sickens thousands more, says the Nebraska Regional Poison Center. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Nebraska has the highest rate of carbon monoxide deaths, with January being the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, shortness of breath and convulsions. If someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, get the victim to fresh air, then seek medical attention right away.

The biggest culprits are faulty gas-burning appliances like a furnace, a vehicle running inside a closed garage or outside devices being used inside, like a generator. The best protection is to have a CO detector. Basic CO detectors cost from $20 to $40 and can be bought from most discount department stores.

Carbon monoxide is deadly, but quite preventable. Know the signs and keep your home CO safe. Contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at (402) 955-5555 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or if you have any questions.

The Nebraska Regional Poison Center offers the following suggestions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Inspect all fuel-burning equipment yearly.

• Vent fuel-burning heaters to the outside.

• Do not use a gas range or an oven for heating a room.

• Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi inside.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your house.

• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.

• Have the vehicle muffler and tailpipes checked regularly.