Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is responsible for many deaths in this country every year because it is almost undetectable due to its odorless and invisible character. Therefore, it is essential that everyone take as many precautions as possible against its lethal dangers. Carbon Monoxide is most commonly encountered in fuel-burning appliances and equipment in our homes. Anyone who has equipment in their home that utilizes fuels such as oil, natural gas, coal, wood, propane, or gasoline, your home is at risk for potential Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Another risk exists for individuals who have homes with attached garages. The reason is because when a vehicle in the garage is left running, the Carbon Monoxide from the vehicle can enter the home also causing Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

We have provided a detailed list of helpful preventative measures you can take to help minimize your risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

Minimize Your Exposure To Car Exhaust

• Do not sit in a parked vehicle with the windows closed and the engine running.
• Do not run the car engine in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area, such as a garage, even if the garage door is open.

Precautions To Take When Cooking

• Do not burn charcoal or use a grill indoors or in a recreational vehicle, camper, motor home, trailer, or tent.

Installation Of Carbon Monoxide Detector

• Purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and near sleeping areas. Detectors that have been verified by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and have been manufactured after October 1995 conform to minimum alarm requirements. Be prepared by knowing what to do if the detector alarm sounds—Tell everyone in the house or building to get out, and call the fire department or your local utility company from a nearby phone. (Even if you are using a carbon monoxide detector, have your heating system inspected each year.)
• Pay close attention and do not ignore possible symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, especially if more than one person in your home or workplace has these symptoms.

Heat Sources

• Inspect your heating appliances, chimneys, and vents annually. Insure that all appliances are working and vented properly to allow gas to escape from enclosed areas.
• Inspect your appliances, chimneys, and vents for visible soot, rust, stains, blockage, or corrosion.
• Do not use kerosene or propane heaters in an enclosed area such as a recreational vehicle, camper, motor home, trailer, or tent.
• Do not use a kitchen oven to heat your home.
• Make sure that the fire is completely out before you close your fireplace or wood/pellet stove damper.

Other Miscellaneous Precautions To Take

• Do not smoke cigarettes or be near someone who is smoking in a poorly ventilated room.
• Do not use paint remover that contains methylene chloride. Because Methylene chloride converts to carbon monoxide in the body.
• Do not place power generators or pressure washers near windows or doors of your home.