HOW TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN YOUR HOME?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

HOW TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN YOUR HOME?

HOW TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN YOUR HOME?

Carbon monoxide poisoning impacts hundreds of people annually. There are more than 400 American dies from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year and over 50,000 visit the emergency room due to carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer. You can’t smell it, see it or taste it but it can strike anywhere. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. High levels of CO inhalation can cause mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death. Using devices like CO detectors, carbon monoxide can be detected well before it causes harm. Just like smoke detectors in the event of fire, carbon monoxide detectors can save lives. Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning requires proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances and CO alarms. Below are tips on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances inspected and/or serviced at least once a year by a certified professional.
2. Never use gas ranges or ovens to heat your home
3. Don’t use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors.
4. Be careful when using gas-powered electric generators. Never use them in your home, basement or garage, and keep them at least 20 feet from windows, vents or doors.
5. When buying gas equipment, be sure to check for the seal of a national testing agency.
6. Make sure to vent gas appliances properly
7. Have your chimney checked for soot, debris, and corrosion at least once a year. Hire a chimney sweep to clean your chimney annually.
8. When the fireplace is in use, open the flues. Close your fireplace or damper only when the fire is completely out.
9. Never idle your vehicle inside a garage that’s attached to the house or living space, even if you leave the door open. Have a mechanic inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system once a year to prevent CO build-up.
10. Install CO alarms in your home

Following these tips can be e a strong defense for minimizing your risk of injury or death. All people and also animals are at risk of CO poisoning. For fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup services, please call us SERVPRO of Ventura at (805) 656-3911.