High levels of carbon monoxide were found in a College Street home earlier this week where police said the detectors intended to warn of the gas and potential carbon monoxide poisoning — a danger that too many people aren’t aware of — were disabled.

Any appliance that burns fuel, especially a furnace, heater or generator, can produce carbon monoxide. And if that appliance isn’t working properly or isn’t venting outside your home, it can cause a buildup of the colorless, tasteless, odorless gas.

Dozens of people in the U.S. die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and it’s something nearly everyone can be at risk of. But there are things you can do to stay safe.

First, be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Low levels can cause a mild headache and breathlessness when you exert yourself.

Higher exposure levels can lead to flu-like symptoms, including a severe headache, exhaustion, nausea and confusion. One of the reasons carbon monoxide is called a silent killer is because the symptoms are easy to ignore but can lead to someone losing consciousness and dying.

The best prevention is to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer other tips to stay safe, as well.

√ Have your furnace, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

√ Do not use portable, flameless, chemical heaters indoors.

√ Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished.

√ Never use a gas oven for heating your home.

√ Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage, or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open.

√ Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside.

Be careful and be aware, and you can avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide.

— JK