While everyone hopes their home is safe and secure, there could be a threat of a silent killer you can’t see or smell -- carbon monoxide (CO). Unlike propane, this gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and yes, it does cause an alarming amount of deaths. Especially in the colder months of winter like February.
According to the CDC, over 400 people in the United States are killed each year from CO poisoning, with over 20,000 more heading to an emergency room with symptoms. You might have felt the effects of carbon monoxide before and didn’t even know it - while working in the garage with your car running, or sitting by the fireplace when unbeknownst the chimney was blocked. Luckily, the threat of exposure to carbon monoxide can be prevented with a little know-how. With this helpful guide, you’ll be well on your way to having a home that is safe from CO poisoning.
Common things
in your home that can cause CO gas build up that you should be mindful when using:
- Gas stoves
- Fireplaces and chimneys
- Vehicles in attached garages
- Improperly vented appliances
- Water heaters
Common symptoms
of CO poisoning:
- Upset stomach/nausea
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Weakness
If you or a family member feel any of these and suspect CO, quickly leave the house for fresh air and call for medical attention immediately.
Helpful tips to help you prevent CO poisoning in your home:
- YEARLY INSPECTIONS: Even the best handyman doesn’t always know what to look for when inspecting for threat of CO poisoning. Give yourself peace of mind by having your appliances, water heater, chimney, heating system and other possible culprits you might not even be aware of checked and serviced by a qualified technician from Linder for possible CO leakage.
- SAFE CAR OPERATION: Operate your vehicle carefully in your garage. Don’t leave your car running in your garage, even if it is cold outside or if the garage door is open. Be sure to have your exhaust system tested as well on your car for small leaks.
- BARBECUE SAFETY: It might sound tempting to have a barbecue inside, especially when it’s cold outside, but you should never use any type of charcoal grill indoors or on a small deck where the fumes can easily waft inside and build up quickly.
- CO DETECTORS: Make sure you have multiple CO detectors installed inside your home, especially by your bedrooms and at least one on each level. These should be tested and checked routinely on a certain day you pick twice a year (we suggest when the time changes).
- CO HOME MONITORING SERVICE: An even better and safer solution than CO detectors is CO home monitoring, which can help safeguard you from faulty units, batteries, or sleeping through an alarm. Linder Security offers monitored CO detectors that will automatically alert us if CO levels become high. We can then notify the proper authorities and have them come out to your home.
Being aware of these common causes of CO in your home, as well as the ways to prevent them, will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe. Safety and protecting your family will always be a priority at Linder.
