How to Protect Your Family Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Have you ever read or heard the stories about people dying during a power outage due to running their gasoline powered generator in their garage? Believe it or not hundreds of people die each year unexpectedly by making the mistake of leaving their vehicle running, operating a generator, or grilling out in their closed garage. These activities can be highly toxic if not fatal to your family and friends. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a scentless killer and is a topic of serious concern for your family.

What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide or (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and very poisonous gas that is produced by the burning of numerous types of solids, liquids, and gas fuels. Anything fueled by natural gas, petroleum gasoline, oils, kerosene, coal, and even wood may produce Carbon Monoxide. Inhaling Carbon Monoxide can be immediately fatal and is considered highly Poisonous to humans.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? There are many symptoms that are similar to flu and cold and it is important to understand what you are experiencing and to take your symptoms seriously. These can include:

-Weakness
-blurry vision
-dizziness
-headache
-nausea and vomiting
-rapid heart beat
-loss of hearing
-cardiac arrest
-disorientation

Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other illnesses and diseases. However any of these symptoms should be taken seriously and immediate action is required to save your or your family member's life.

If grilling out in your closed garage seems easy enough to prevent try these other possible sources for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

-Tobacco smoke
-Malfunctioning water heater, cooking appliances, gas clothes dryer
-Malfunctioning oil, wood, gas, or coal furnaces (We all use during these cold months)
-Wood burning fireplaces, gas log burner, space heaters
-Lack of adequate ventilation

Words of wisdom: Protect your family with Carbon Monoxide Alarms. These act the same way as fire detectors only they detect Carbon Monoxide in your home. The average Carbon Monoxide detector costs between $40-$60.00 and will protect your family for years. This investment can be purchased at most Major retailers and is a necessity for any home. These alarms do not detect fire as it is important not to confuse the two separate alarms. Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous that if you or your family member is poisoned by inhalation it is normally too late to save you.

What you can do to protect yourself and your family:

-Make sure you have both fire alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
-Develop an escape plan for your family and continue to practice it especially with your small children.
-Keep all fuels, explosive materials, flammable items outside your home in storage.
-Never leave your vehicle running inside a closed space.
-Make sure your kitchen and all rooms have ventilation or exhaust fans.
-Never use fuel burning heaters while you sleep.
-Keep your chimney clean.
-Never use gasoline powered tools or generators inside the home or closed spaces.
-Never use a charcoal or wood fired grill inside the home or closed spaces.
-Take your and your family's symptoms seriously.

I hope for you and your family you decide to treat Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with respect as it is a killer that can enter any home. Take it seriously and you will be prepared to fight this danger if it interrupts your life.