Carbon Monoxide is described by the CDC as “an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness and death if inhaled”. Produced by the incomplete burning of some fuels such as oil, propane, natural gas and even wood, CO impacts thousands and kills on average 170 people in the U.S. each year. Carbon Monoxide detectors detect this gas and can alert you of its presence early enough for you to get out of your home before it impacts you and your family.
Since the fuels which produce this gas are often used in heating homes, many cases of poisoning occur in the homes, often during the night. While people are well aware of the importance of smoke alarms, often they are unaware of how dangerous CO can be. Instead of waiting until it is too late, take steps to protect your family this fall by knowing the facts about CO and what you can do to prevent poisoning with APKH&C.
Know the symptoms
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning get more severe as time goes on. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Further exposure will likely lead to more debilitating symptoms including:
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination in muscles
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Death
Know what to check
While carbon monoxide gas may be undetectable to you, paying attention to the actions of those in the home around you and ensuring that there are CO detectors and that they are working correctly are easy ways you can protect your home and loved ones. Other ways you can protect your home and avoid CO exposure include:
- Be sure to have your heating systems checked by a professional each year to ensure they are in good working order
- Install detectors throughout the home
- Do not use a grill, generator or camp stove or other charcoal or gasoline burning device inside your home or garage
- Never leave a car or truck running inside a closed garage
- Do not heat your home with your oven
- Be sure your fireplace is properly vented
Fall Back and Fall Into Safety By Checking Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in November
In an effort to promote safety in the home, do your part to make your home safer in winter by protecting yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. When you set your clocks back this November 2nd, take a few extra minutes out of your day to check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and make sure they are all working correctly. Prevention is key to protection.