UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) is offering a safety message and some tips ahead of daylight savings time on November 3: It’s time to check your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors when changing your clocks.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be poisonous, and potentially fatal, if inhaled. “Carbon monoxide poisoning sends one hundred thousand Americans to the emergency department every year, underscoring the critical importance of detection,” said Diane Haithcock, standards program director at ULSE.

While 99% of households in the United States have a smoke alarm present, nearly half (45%) of homes do not have a CO detector present, ULSE reports.

“Many Americans are already in the habit of checking their smoke alarm batteries when we change the clocks, and adding CO alarms to the checklist is a simple step that can save your life,” continued Haithcock. “Detection is prevention, and households should be proactive.”

The organization offers several tips to mitigate CO poisoning, including:

• Installing detectors on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas
• Avoiding operating devices (portable generators, vehicles) in enclosed spaces
• Replacing carbon monoxide detector batteries at least once a year, unless the device has sealed 10-year batteries
• Resting detectors monthly while heating systems, chimneys, gas appliances, and other common emitters of CO should be checked annually
• Using extreme caution with products that generate carbon monoxide, including furnaces, kerosene heaters, vehicles, stoves and gas ranges, portable generators, pool heaters, and more

Access the full news announcement on ULSE’s website.