| Carbon Monoxide Safety |
| What is carbon monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irratating gas. It kills more people annually in the US than any other type poisoning. What produces carbon monoxide? The incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, coal, oil, kerosene, natural gas or propane. What are some sources of carbon monoxide? (a) coal stoves, (b) furnace, (c) automobiles, (d) fire. The gases build up quickly, even in areas that seem to be ventilated and it overcome you without warning. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are fatigue, headache and chest pain. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide may cause heart or brain damage or even death. What can you do to protect your family? A large number of deaths each year could be prevented with regular maintence to your heating system and with the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. The CO detector is designed to detect CO from any source. It is not designed to detect smoke, fire or any other gas. Every home should have at least one detector. The device should be installed near the sleeping area. What Should you do if your detector goes off, or you suspect CO Build Up? Call 9-1-1 and leave the house, closing all doors and windows behind you. If you leave doors or windows open, the fire department will not be able to gather accuarate readings. With CO, it's better to be sabe than sorry. You cannot see or smell it, that's why it's referred to as the silent killer. |
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