Friday, October 30, 2009

Fall is here!

Fall is here! Many of us have already turned our furnaces on...I know I have...with that said Kansas Gas and Electric sent brochures (along with my gas statement this month) about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Although I thought I knew the dangers...I read it! Living in an older home I'm going to get a carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can make you sick or cause death. Carbon monoxide occurs when fuel does not burn completely. Sources include improperly vented cooking or water heating appliances, auto exhaust, blocked chimney flues and malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances.

The presence of carbon monoxide in your home or business might appear as black soot around vents, flues, furnace filters, burners or appliance access openings; as condensation on windows or interior walls; as a yellow flame instead of a blue flame on appliance burners; as the absence of a draft in your fireplace; or as dying house plants or unexpected illnesses in pets. Humidifiers or vaporizers can also cause condensation on windows.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms include headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, increased perspiration, nausea, weakness and vomiting.

As carbon monoxide levels increase, symptoms may become more severe and include shortness of breath, extreme muscular weakness, intermittent convulsions, mental confusion and unconsciousness. in addition, severe poisoning can cause these symptoms: change in skin color; lips and mucous membranes change in color to cherry red; and heart and lung failure.

Carbon monoxide detectors can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide. If you install a detector, follow the manufacturers directions regarding installation. If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home or business, leave immediately and use a phone located away from the potential hazard to call 911.

Helpful Prevention Tips

Check and maintain proper ventilation of flue and chimney.
Clean or replace air filters regularly.
Don't block air intake areas near appliances.
Don't use a gas range or space heater to heat your home.
Don't start your car, lawn mower, snow blower or any combustion engine in a closed garage.
Don't operate your gas grill inside your home, an enclosed porch or closed garage.
If you see a yellow flame instead of a blue one, it's a warning sign that your natural gas appliance is not operating properly or is not vented properly.

Protect yourself and your family. Check flammable containers, appliances and carbon monoxide detectors now!

Posted By Martha Bethel At 11:29 AM • Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)