Understanding the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Each year, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,000 people to hospital emergency rooms around the country for treatment. While the temperatures drop, and you and your family turn up the heat in your home and car, remember there are several everyday items that can put you and your family at risk, including gas-fired appliances and wood-burning fireplaces.

Preventative Measures

Consider installing at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal. Follow these tips when installing a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home:

• Install it in a location that it can easily be seen and heard.

• Put it near bedrooms, the living room, main hallways or where you and your family spend a significant amount of time.

Do not put a Carbon Monoxide detector in the following locations:

• In the garage.

• Near your furnace or kitchen stove.

• In excessively hot, cold, damp, or dry areas.

• In the corner of a room, near the floor, in the peak of vaulted ceilings, or near open windows or doors.

Since CO alarms measure CO levels over time, the alarm will sound before an average, healthy adult would be experiencing symptoms. If you are not experiencing symptoms when the alarm sounds, please consider ventilating the home and contacting a service professional to check the CO level.

If you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, experts say to evacuate immediately and contact emergency personnel. And, of course, never run your vehicle inside your garage with the door closed. Even with doors open, refrain from running your vehicle for extended periods of time, as garages with a door on only one side often do not provide adequate air flow.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety and preparedness in your business or home, give us a call at 973-887-9100.