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Pat Ozburn gives the gift that keeps on protecting: a carbon monoxide detector.

"I almost learned the ultimate lesson because I didn't check my furnace," Ozburn said. "I almost lost my whole family."

The Ozburn family was exposed to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas, in their Overland Park home. An old, defective furnace is to blame.

Fire officials said the outcome of the poisoning may have been tragically different had the family been exposed to CO one more hour.

As you turn on your furnace this winter, it's important to:

• Have your furnace inspected annually by a professional;
• Have working smoke alarms in your home; and
• Have at least one properly working CO detector in your home.

Pat Ozburn has purchased multiple CO detectors, including one for almost every bedroom.

"Just because it beeps and the alarm goes off doesn't mean it's working," said Ozburn, who had a CO detector prior to the poisoning. " It's important to have it inspected by a professional, along with your furnace."

Myths & Facts

Be aware of the common carbon monoxide myths and facts.