SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The emphasis on Fire Prevention Week is working smoke alarms in homes but Dean Lanier with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says carbon monoxide detectors are essential too.
Lanier says most home's appliances are powered by fuel and any improper installation, maintenance or inadequate ventilation poses CO poisoning risk.
Lanier says symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar to the flu: dizziness, fatigue, headache and nausea. He says to get everyone in the house or apartment building outside and call the fire department so they can come and check for leaks.
Lanier also encourages families to hold fire drills on a regular basis.
Fire Prevention Week runs through Saturday and the idea is to get families to talk about fires in the home; listen for the alarm, know what it means and how to get out of the building no matter where you're at.
The theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Don't Wait, Check the Date!" The idea is to make sure you have enough working smoke alarms in your home.