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Each year in America,
unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 500 lives and
sends another 15,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
The Lancaster Fire Department
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:
1.
Dial 9.1.1. and relay information to the dispatcher, include
observations.
2.
If possible,
evacuate and wait for the fire department.
3.
Turn off all
appliances and sources of combustion (i.e. furnace and fireplace).
4.
Ventilate the
house with fresh air by opening doors and windows.
5.
Call a qualified
professional to investigate the source of the possible CO buildup.
If illness is a factor:
1.
Evacuate all
occupants immediately.
2.
Determine how
many occupants are ill and determine their symptoms.
3.
Dial 9.1.1. and when relaying information to the dispatcher,
include the number of people feeling ill.
4.
Do not re-enter
the home without the approval of a fire department.
5.
Call a qualified
professional to repair the source of the CO.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning
·
Install at least
one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the
sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has
been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as
Underwriters Laboratories (UL). 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.
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