Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
During Poison Prevention week in March, we hope to bring awareness to homeowners and share how to keep them safe from poisonings in their homes. On average, 170 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It’s produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, oil, kerosene, and natural gas.
Many know cars and automotive vehicles produce CO. However, there are household items which can produce CO, including furnaces, ranges, water and room heaters, fireplaces, and portable generators.
Since CO is undetectable to the human senses, people may not know they are being exposed. Initial symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
Here are some tips to prevent CO poisoning:
Professionally Install Appliances
Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Doing this avoids possible accidents from appliances which can harm you or your home.
Keep CO Emittance Outside
Any appliances or devises which emit CO need to be kept and used outside. Never operate a portable generator, gasoline engine-powered tools, or burn charcoal in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or tent. Cars should never be left running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
Properly Use Appliances
As well as keeping appliances emitting CO outside, you should not use them for anything other than what they are meant to do. Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home. Improperly using these items can lead to accidents like fires and CO poisoning.
Have CO Alarms
CO alarms can detect the chemical in the air before it can cause harm to you or your home. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm meets standard safety requirements and is not covered by furniture or decor. Once installed, regularly test it to ensure it is in proper working order.
Home Safety is Important to Us
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, click here. We hope these tips will keep you and your family safe from possible poisoning accidents. Florida Peninsula Insurance Company wants to keep your home or condo safe from any home related accidents with proper insurance coverage. For more information, or to get a quote, please call 877-229-2244.
