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Although the first day of spring has arrived, the weather this winter has been unseasonably cold. Many people are turning up the heat and using fuel-burning appliances that could place them at risk of potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America report, more than two-thirds of American households do not have CO alarms installed within their homes. Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it cannot be detected without an alarm to alert family members. Young children and older adults are especially susceptible to CO poisoning when exposed to high volumes of carbon monoxide.
CO is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters, as well as portable generators and cooking equipment.
The Home Safety Council recommends that every home be protected with at least one CO alarm, located near sleeping areas. Homes with attached garages are at risk of CO poisoning because vehicles left running in the garage can cause the gas to seep into the home.
"Carbon monoxide is known as the senseless killer because without a CO alarm it is virtually impossible to detect by sight, smell or taste before symptoms begin," said Home Safety Council president Meri-K Appy. "The Home Safety Council urges families to take proper steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and to act promptly if a potential exposure is suspected."
Early symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to symptoms of the flu, and can include headache, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. The following steps are recommended if there is a possibility of carbon monoxide:
* Ventilate rooms by opening windows and doors, or evacuate the home;
* If CO is detected, call the fire department or 911;
* Seek immediate medical treatment for anyone who has severe symptoms;
* Follow the advice of the responding agency before re-entering the home;
* Make repairs as soon as possible.
To avoid CO poisoning, the Home Safety Council recommends installing CO alarms that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories, with at least one alarm near sleeping areas in the home. Appliances and equipment should be used according to directions and only for their intended purposes. For example, use a range or cook stove only for cooking, never for heat in the home. Barbecue or gas grills should only be used outdoors. CO poisoning can result when grills are used inside a home, a garage or in an enclosed porch. Electric generators must never be used inside the home or garage, or in any enclosed area.
Some other tips for preventing CO poisoning from the Home Safety Council include:
* Be sure to back vehicles out of the garage and close the door when warming up the engine;
* Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up the central heating system each year before use;
* Have a professional sweep and inspect chimneys once a year and clean them if needed; remember to open flues before using fireplaces;
* Wood stoves should meet the criteria for local fire codes; new wood stove or portable space heaters should be UL listed.
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to pcardus@silvar.org.
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