A Marin County family narrowly escaped death last week after a bout of carbon monoxide poisoning. When symptoms began to show, the couple and their children thought they had the flu. However, they soon called 911, and were ordered to leave the house immediately. They were taken to the hospital, and have now recovered from the symptoms.

According to Marin County Fire Department personnel, the carbon monoxide fumes escaped from a defective wall heater inside the house. The house also did not have carbon monoxide detectors.

California homeowners must be aware of a new rule that requires all owners of single-family units with gas burning appliances to install carbon monoxide detectors. The rule went into effect on July 1. By January 1 next year, owners of all residential units will be required to install carbon monoxide alarms.

The family members in this case, were alert enough to call 911 when their symptoms got worse. In many of the cases that California carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers come across, people aren't so lucky. By the time, they become aware that their symptoms are dangerous, it may be too late.

According to estimates in California, approximately 700 people fall ill with carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and require treatment. Forty people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide fumes are so dangerous because they cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. These are colorless, odorless and tasteless gases, and as a result, many times, people may not be aware that they are being poisoned by carbon monoxide until it is too late. This is why it's important to have carbon monoxide alarms and detectors installed in your home.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate everyone from your home into an open-air environment. Call 911 immediately. In many cases, carbon monoxide poisoning is a result of defective appliances or devices, shoddy installation of appliances or heating units, and poor maintenance and repairs of furnaces, heating appliances and other devices.