Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Thousands die each year from carbon monoxide emitted from gas appliances in their homes.  Tens of thousands are hospitalized from the toxic substance.  While most of us have smoke detectors in our homes, most do not get carbon monoxide detectors.  CO detectors are easily installed and simply plug in to an outlet in the  home's bedrooms (back-up batteries should be installed).  Because CO has the same weight as air, the detector can be plugged in to an existing outlet and doesn't have to go on the ceiling.
I had a client a year ago who happened to also be a forensic pathologist having just graduated from medical school and entered the work force.  During my consultation, I advised him, as I do all my clients, about CO hazards and the importance of the detectors.  He had an expressive look on his face and said "I am suppose to know better; my cadaver today was a 24 year old woman who died from CO."
You can pick up a CO detector for $30-$45 dollars each.  Don't forget to replace them every 5 years as the sensors degrade over time.  Write the date of purchase on the back of the detector with a Sharpie marker and set your web-based calendar to alert you in five years for replacement.