Jorge Castanon, FRSA Self Insurers Fund, Loss Control Consultant
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is found in fumes produced by burning fuel in automobiles, small engines, fireplaces, stoves, lanterns, grills, furnaces and gas ranges.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are typically described as being "flu-like", with the majority of symptoms including upset stomach, headache, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and confusion. While everyone is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, infants and adults with chronic heart or breathing issues are more likely to fall ill from carbon monoxide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans are killed each year by unintentional CO poisoning. The gas is also responsible for more than 20,000 emergency room visits and 4,000 hospitalizations annually.
Here are some tips on keeping safe from CO Poisoning:
- Install a battery-powered CO detector. Because carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, you may not know when there is a carbon monoxide leak. Placing detectors on every floor of your home may be the only way to detect this poisonous gas. Place them throughout your home and particularly near sleeping areas. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Service your gas appliances annually. Heating systems, water heaters and all other gas, oil or coal burning appliances Should be serviced by a qualified technician every year. Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters or burn charcoal indoors and never barbecue in the garage.
- Keep a tidy chimney. Chimneys that are blocked by debris can significantly increase the chance of CO buildup in your home. Making the decision to have you chimney cleaned or checked annually by a professional may be the difference between life and death.
- Warm up vehicles outdoors. If you must warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately upon starting it. Never leave a running vehicle or other fueled engine indoors, even if the garage doors are open.
- Store gasoline safely. Keep gasoline away from all sources of heat and in a locked location where children cannot access it. The safest place to store gasoline is in a detached garage or shed, as common household appliances like dryers and water heaters can start a gasoline fire.
Following these five simple tips will help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
FRM
