It's known as the silent killer. In 2005, approximately 250 people died in the United States from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas produced as a by-product of combustion. Accidental deaths from CO poisoning tend to rise this time of year, when people turn on their furnaces as the temperature drops. Twice in the past two weeks alone, the staff in the Emergency Room at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center has treated multiple victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Alfred Sacchetti, M.D., Chief of Emergency Medicine at Lourdes. "In those incidents, thanks to quick thinking and, in one case, a working a CO detector, disaster was avoided," said Dr. Sacchetti. How can you safeguard yourself this winter? Dr. Sacchetti offers these suggestions on how to protect you and your family:

• Don't leave your car running inside your garage, even if the door is open. If you are trying to warm up your car, park it outside first.
  
  
• Be sure to check your furnace and other gas-powered utilities before the start of the winter season. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks.
  
  
• Inspect your chimney to be sure it isn't clogged and have it professionally cleaned each year so smoke doesn't back up in the home.
  
  
• Be alert to the danger signs that signal a CO problem: streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances; the absence of a draft in your chimney; excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets; moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms; fallen soot from the fireplace; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe; damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney and rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home.
  
  
• Buy a CO detector and install one on each floor of your home. If you already have one, remember to replace the batteries to keep it functioning properly.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Dr. Sacchetti, include: dizziness, nausea, blurred vision or headache. "If several members of the family complain of these symptoms, do not assume it's just the flu," he said. If you suspect it might be CO poisoning, immediately call your local emergency number or 911 and evacuate your house. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisonous deaths in the United States. However, it is preventable if the warning signs are recognized," Dr. Sacchetti said.