Due to extremely low temperatures and winter storms in the Midwest this winter, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness about fire safety as well as the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.  The Fire Marshal is urging homeowners to be aware of the dangers that carbon monoxide poses.  State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis noted that the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Act, adopted in 2007, requires the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit, with at least one working CO alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that can be deadly when high levels are inhaled.  The noxious gas is produced due to faulty or poorly repaired appliances such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, gas heaters and dryers.  Dirty and poorly maintained wood fireplaces, blocked chimneys and gas space heaters can also produce carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if ventilation is not adequate.  A vehicle with the engine running in a closed garage can cause lethal levels of CO gas within minutes.  The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are immediately observable.  Common symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, loss of balance, vision problems and dizziness.  Symptoms of high levels of CO can include disorientation, memory problems, loss of consciousness and death.  Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.  For more information about CO poisoning prevention visit the OSFM website at www.sfm.illinois.gov.