Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that is released by burning fossil fuels like gasoline, coal, propane and other flammable fuels.  CO is produced by fuels that don�t burn completely.  Items that can produce CO include stoves, furnaces and engines from motor driven items like vehicles, lawn mowers, tractors and other gas powered items such as generators.

CO poisoning is dangerous because it mimics other medical conditions like the flu.  Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

�      Flu like illness (in low cases)

�      Dizziness

�      Confusion

�      Loss of consciousness

�      Severn headaches

�      Mental confusion

�      Death

The Journal of American Medical Association lists CO the no. 1 cause of accidental death in the U.S.A.  If you or any one in your home experiences any of the above symptoms, open your windows and doors and call 911 immediately and get out and stay out!!  Seek medical attention immediately.  Do not return to the home or building unless and until the fire department deems it to be safe.

Always have a CO detector in your home.  They measure the amount of CO in a home air.  CO detectors are designed to sound an alarm at the lowest level of CO that can cause a poisoning emergency before symptoms can develop.  Always take alarms seriously.  Call 911 immediately and get out when the detector sounds and do not return until the fire department deems it safe.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

Things to remember when purchasing and owning a CO detector:

�        Always purchase a detector that has been tested by an independent lab such as Underwriters Laboratories or other testing facility.  UL tests all kinds of electrical items, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher etc for safety and quality.

�        Always strictly follow the manufacturer�s instructions when installing your detector.  If you have any questions or problems installing your detector, call the fire department non-emergency number for assistance.

�        Install CO detectors, at least one to every floor of the house and make sure on is near the bedrooms of the house.

�        Test your detector once a month when you test your smoke alarms

�        Change the batteries in your detector twice a year along with your smoke alarms.  The best way to remember it is �Change your clocks, change your batteries�.

�        Replace CO detector every two years depending on the directions on the CO detector�s package directions.

�        Always remember your family�s exit plan for emergencies and practice it regularly.  If you do not have one in place, create an escape plan with your family.

�        Never run gas powered motors or generators of any kind inside a home or garage even if the door is open.

�        Always have trained professionals inspect chimneys, furnaces, fireplaces, wood shoves on a regular basis for any and all things that need to be repaired before cold weather comes every year.

�        Never use the oven to heat a home.

�        Kerosene heaters are illegal in many states, counties and cities.  Always check with your local government to verify the legality of them before purchasing one.  Penalties for using them vary for state to state, county to county and city to city.  If you do use one always refuel them outside never in the house.  Only refuel them when they are sufficiently cooled.

�        Never use a grill of any kind in a house, garage or closed in porch even if the doors and windows are open.

�        Only use battery powered heaters and lights in tents, campers and trailers etc.  CO detectors are required in an RV.

Remember that CO poisoning is slow and cause serious illness or death if it is not detected in time to seek medical help.  If you know how to spot the symptoms, have a CO detector, and know how to get help in the case of emergency, CO poisoning does not have to be a death sentence.

Source: Alert-All pamphlet