Bill Cash

Bill Cash, owner of American Family Insurance Agency, 14 W. Stimson Ave., said more than 200 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are treated at hospital emergency rooms each year in America.

"Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can't be detected without a carbon monoxide detector," he said."(Carbon monoxide) is a by-product of the burning process.It's an exhaust from burning fossil fuels."

A relatively small amount of carbon monoxide can cause illness or death.Cash said he recommends people install a detector, which can be purchased usually for about $20 at hardware stores.

"(The detector) is the best way and maybe the only way to detect the presence (of the gas) because you cannot smell it," he said.

Also, people can prevent the leakage of the gas by several means, including asking a heat contractor to check for gas leaks, he said.

"The proper ventilation is the answer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning," Cash said.

Even a new appliance can emit carbon monoxide if it is not properly ventilated to a chimney or fluke, he said.

Gas companies prepare for an emergency situation for their customers.

Bill Cash, owner of American Family Insurance Agency, 14 W. Stimson Ave., said more than 200 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands are treated at hospital emergency rooms each year in America.

"Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can't be detected without a carbon monoxide detector," he said."(Carbon monoxide) is a by-product of the burning process.It's an exhaust from burning fossil fuels."

A relatively small amount of carbon monoxide can cause illness or death.Cash said he recommends people install a detector, which can be purchased usually for about $20 at hardware stores.

"(The detector) is the best way and maybe the only way to detect the presence (of the gas) because you cannot smell it," he said.

Also, people can prevent the leakage of the gas by several means, including asking a heat contractor to check for gas leaks, he said.

"The proper ventilation is the answer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning," Cash said.

Even a new appliance can emit carbon monoxide if it is not properly ventilated to a chimney or fluke, he said.

Gas companies prepare for an emergency situation for their customers.