Stay Safe Against Carbon Monoxide

Image Courtesy of Consumersearch

Recently we spoke about fire safety and how to keep your children safe from fire. Today I’d like to talk about another home hazard that isn’t as obvious as a fire, but is easily prevented with the right measures.  This hazard is Carbon Monoxide. I highly recommend every home have carbon monoxide detectors in order to help prevent tragedy. Click here to find out how to get your house or business protected from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Here are some facts about Carbon Monoxide:

• CO (carbon monoxide) is an odorless, colorless gas, hence the nickname “silent killer.”
• CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.
• Common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning happens when red blood cells absorb the carbon monoxide more quickly than oxygen. The carbon monoxide then blocks oxygen from getting into your body and can damage tissue and lead to death.

Image Courtesy of the CDC

A couple weeks ago on the news where I live they reported that there isn’t a law mandating that schools have CO detectors in the classrooms, yet every year there are multiple emergency situations where they need to evacuate schools because of CO levels. Along with placing carbon monoxide detectors in your own home, contact your local school and tell them you would like them to have them placed in the classrooms for safety! When our children’s lives are on the line we need to practice SAFETY FIRST!