Keeping your family and your home safe is important. You might buy a smoke detector, a fire extinguisher, a home security system or even a guard dog. But what happens when the threat against your family is undetectable? An invisible force that you can’t anticipate based on sight, sound or smell?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often known as the “silent killer.” It forms when fuels, such as natural gas, oil or coal, burn without enough air for complete combustion, causing carbon monoxide to build in small spaces and turn poisonous for humans or animals who may breathe the air.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people in the United States die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, with more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room due to exposure.
“Last heating season, we had 569 service calls involving carbon monoxide. They came from homes and neighborhoods of all ages and income levels and from businesses throughout our territory,” said Barry Leezer, Senior Director of Customer Operations for Peoples. “Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be educated about the symptoms.”
As it accumulates, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, unconsciousness, brain damage and even death. The signs of CO poisoning can often mimic the flu:
Here are some steps that you can take to keep your family safe against CO poisoning:
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Have your heating systems and vents checked annually by a certified contractor
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Make sure your chimney is cleaned periodically and free of obstructions
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Keep air vents for your gas appliances clear
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Never use a gas oven or stovetop for heating your home
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Do not use portable charcoal or propane grills indoors or in the garage
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Do not run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space
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Use only space heaters that are approved by local fire codes and properly installed
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Check fireplaces for closed or blocked flues
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Periodically check range pilots for soot or carbon build up
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Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if windows are open
- Never attempt to relight or turn on an appliance that has been red-tagged before having it replaced or fixed and inspected by a certified professional
Even after taking precautions, accidents can occur. If you ever hear your detector sound its alarm or experience carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, you and your family should open windows and doors, exit your home and call 911 or your local fire department.
We work with a product that, when mishandled, can be dangerous. That is why it is important to act safely and to be aware of the risks associated with it, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Please use the links above to share this information with your friends, family and neighbors. Help Peoples spread awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide.