According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year accidental carbon monoxide poisoning sickens more than 25,000 people in the U.S. and nearly 500 people die annually from exposure to the odorless and undetectable gas. In the desert, the cool months of December, January, and February are typically when most homeowners and their families are vulnerable as gas heaters are used to keep warm. However, a few simple tips can help prevent illness and death. Here’s what you need to know.

Installing and maintaining a carbon monoxide detector is the best defense to prevent illness and death from carbon monoxide. Since “CO” is odorless and colorless, a detector can help save your loved ones. CO is produced when fuel is burned to produce heat and a detector is the only way to monitor the gas levels in your home.