Follow tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Published 8:41 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015
We have probably all known someone who had a near tragedy or actually suffered the loss of loved ones because of carbon monoxide poisoning. If your home is all electric, this is one less worry. If not, you need to take some precautions recommended by Safe Kids and be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
FOR SAFETY
n Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.
n Place CO alarms at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance to reduce the number of nuisance alarms.
n Test alarms every month and replace them every five years.
n Make sure alarms can be heard when you test them and practice an escape plan with your entire family.
n Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they are working correctly and are properly ventilated.
n Never use a stove for heating.
n Do not use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage, or near a window.
n Never leave a vehicle, or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.
n CO can accumulate anywhere in or around your boat, so install a CO alarm on your motorboat.
If your CO alarm goes off, follow these steps:
n Get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible into fresh air. Then call for help from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone outside of your home.
n If someone is experiencing CO poisoning symptoms, call 911 for medical attention.
n If no one is experiencing symptoms, call the fire department. They will let you know when it is safe to re-enter your home.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and confusion. In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness or even die.
CO poisoning can often be mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu. If there is a CO leak, more than one person in the house will often suffer symptoms at the same time.
A CO alarm would be a great gift for that person who has everything, including gas appliances.
For more information contact Patrice Dunagin, Smith County FCS agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, at 903-590-2980.
