Cold weather is a good time to check the alarms in your home. Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas you cannot see or smell. It can build up when equipment that burns fuel does not vent properly.
Check your alarms and heating equipment
Test your carbon monoxide alarms and make sure you have one on each level of your home. Ask a qualified technician to check your furnace. Keep generators and grills outdoors, and use your stove for cooking.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911 from outside. Wait until responders say it is safe to go back in.
Ask about help with heating bills
Call Milwaukee County Energy Assistance at (414) 270 4653 to ask how to apply. Eligible households may get help with part of their bill. The current benefit season runs through May 15, 2027.
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Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, City of Milwaukee, and Community Advocates.