There's a reason carbon monoxide is called the silent killer.

"You can't tell when it's in the air. You can't see it," says John Drengenberg with Underwriters Labs. "You can't taste it and you can't smell it."

Drengenberg says carbon monoxide killed about 250 people in their homes last year. It made thousands of others sick.

"The symptoms of carbon monoxide poison start out like flu symptoms so people think they're just getting a headache or feeling a little queasy."

That's why it's so important for you to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home or apartment -- especially during the winter when we keep the windows closed.

Here are some basic ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

- Have your heating system professionally inspected each year. Check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion and loose connections.

- Never operate a portable generator inside your house or garage or near a window or vent where the exhaust could be pulled inside.

- Never burn charcoal inside the house, in the garage - even if the power goes out.

- Never use unvented kerosene heaters in a room where people are asleep and only use the proper fuel. You cannot substitute gasoline.

For More Information:

UL: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

UL: Carbon Monoxide Alarms