A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Preventative Measures
Preventative measures that can provide safety for ourselves and our families have reduced the number carbon monoxide poisoning victims.
There
are some very simple ways to ensure that you and your family will not
suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a carbon monoxide detector
installed in your home is the most effective way to keep a watch on the
levels of CO in your home. Other precautions that can be taken are listed
below.
- Have flues and chimneys checked for security and blockages.
- At the beginning of every heating season have a trained professional check all your fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fire places and wood stoves.
- Install and maintain appliances according to the manufacturers' instructions.
- Never idle the car in the garage whether or not the door of the garage is opened or closed; fumes can build up quickly and contaminate the air in the garage and living area of your home.
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
- Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
- Never sleep in a room heated by a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.
- Do not use any gasoline-powered engines such as mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators in enclosed spaces.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your recreational vehicle, camper, or motor home.
- Make a point of actually installing your carbon monoxide detector and not leave it hanging around in your tool boxes or on workbenches.
- Never use a portable generator indoors. When portable generators are placed in areas such as garages, sheds, or small enclosed spaces, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning multiplies threefold.
Barbecue Safety Tips: Enjoy the barbecue season by reading these important tips to ensure a safe and successful barbecue.