Monroe Fire Fighters IAFF Local 326

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

CARBON MONOXIDE EDUCATIONAL VIDEO

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having your fuel-burning appliances serviced annually and by installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Check or change its batteries each time you change your clocks.

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March. When you set your clock ahead one hour, remember to check or change the batteries in your battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Each year unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires kills about 500 Americans and poisons at least 15,000.

You can protect your family and prevent CO poisoning by taking just a few simple steps:

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

• Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.

• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.

• Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

• Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.

• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

To learn more and read carbon monoxide prevention guidelines in 16 additional languages, visit www.cdc.gov/co

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Understanding the Risk

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

 

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

What Actions Do I Take if My Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?

What you need to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off depends on whether anyone is feeling ill or not.

If no one is feeling ill:

Silence the alarm.

Turn off all appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).

Ventilate the house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.

Call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.

If illness is a factor:

Evacuate all occupants immediately.

Determine how many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.

Call your local emergency number and when relaying information to the dispatcher, include the number of people feeling ill.

Do not re-enter the home without the approval of a fire department representative.

Call a qualified professional to repair the source of the CO

Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning

Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.

Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

Never use your range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.

Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.

When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup