As temperatures fall, the City of Littleton is using a public service announcement to remind people to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes this heating season.

The video aims to educate citizens about the importance of these relatively inexpensive devices that have been proven to save lives, said City of Littleton Codes and Inspections Director Jim Thelen.

“I think the timing of our PSA is very appropriate,” Thelen said. “It’s expected that more poisoning will occur during the winter months because people are heating their homes.”

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel-fired appliances, furnaces, water heaters, or exhaust from gas-powered vehicles. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pains and confusion. High levels can cause unconsciousness and death.

In response to the 2008 carbon monoxide-related deaths of a Denver family of four in a rented Aspen house, Colorado passed a law in 2009 that requires detectors with alarms be installed in homes under certain circumstances. They must be installed when a home is sold, when a building permit is issued for interior work and when a new tenant moves into a rental property.

“This PSA is new,” said City of Littleton Director of Communications Kelli Narde. “What’s really cool, technically, is that we shot and edited the whole thing in house — no cost at all other than staff time.”

The one minute and 24 second video features Thelen and Will Allen, of Littleton Fire Rescue. It can be seen on Channel 8, the city website and Youtube. To view the PSA and for more information, go to http://littletongov.org/building/co-detectors.asp.