Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Homes in Alliance, Ohio

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Safety Information about Carbon Monoxide poisoning for families in Alliance, Ohio.

Carbon Monoxide is called the silent killer for good reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds each year and sickens thousands more. So, what can you do to keep you and your family safe? It’s simple, make sure you install carbon monoxide detectors right into the walls of your home or if you are traveling there are portable battery-operated that you can take with you.

There are several key areas of your home that you should place a carbon monoxide detector:

1. Hot Water heater or furnace: these are common hotspots for carbon monoxide leaks. Of course, read the instructions put usually monitors should be placed at least 5 to 20 feet away. Make sure this area is properly vented and if it’s your own home ask your utility company to check on it every year.
2. Hallways near your Bedrooms: experts recommend installing near your sleeping area in your home.

There are several heating sources that can produce carbon monoxide in your home. One is your fireplace. It is important to make sure your chimney is cleaned every year and before you light your fire, make sure that your flu is open and well ventilated. After you put the fire out you should leave the flu open for just a little while longer. If you use a gas-powered space heater to warm up your home, make sure that it is placed in a well-ventilated area of your home. Another important safety tip is to not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning happens during the cold winter months because at this time of year a lot of people want to go out and warm up the car before they leave. It is necessary to open the garage door before you start your car engine because carbon monoxide gas builds up very quickly. Same as when we have power outages after a winter storm. People use portable generators to heat up their house and these can produce a lot of carbon monoxide. Make sure that they are placed in a well-ventilated area.

Below is a list of symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing

If you believe you have a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning then open all the windows, leave your house and call 911.