In the past two weeks, two families from the Pacific Northwest (both families involved multiple members) became ill with carbon monoxide poisoning. This happened after a severe electrical storm knocked out power to thousands in Oregon and Washington.
One family cooking on their barbeque grill at home. Another group had a working gas generator in the garage attached to the kitchen. Fortunately, no one died, but some were critically ill and spent several days in the hospital. We must be aware of the dangers of this deadly gas, which cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. We don’t need to know what not to do and remember what to do if we suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the most harmful substance you will encounter in your daily life at home, at work, in your car, RV or boat. This clear, odorless gas can cause brain damage and death. It is known as the “Silent Killer” and takes 200,000 lives each year. It will also kill your worries!
Install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home near all sleeping areas. Also install CO alarms on boats and recreational vehicles. These are not the same as smoke alarms and smoke or fire alarms do not detect carbon monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are lowered monthly as well as your smoke detectors. This is the most important thing. They must work. If the alarm sounds, leave immediately. Don’t think it’s a malfunction. I’m leaving!
This deadly gas is formed when organic compounds burn. Some common sources are motor vehicle exhaust, engine smoke, smoke from fires and non-electric heaters.
Here are some common sources of carbon monoxide:
Gas water heaters
Kerosene space heaters
Propane stoves and BBQ’s
Propane fueled forklifts
Gas-Lor saws concrete
Indoor tractor pulls
Swimming behind a motorboat
Spray paint, monthly, degreasers, pain relievers
Dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide include:
Children and care riding on the back including pickup truck
They operate in pulp mills, furnaces and steel plants producing formaldehyde or coke
Caregivers to the fire scenes
Using heating sources during power outages
Any household with combustion or combustible gases
Don’t do other witchcraft CO:
Make sure your home is regularly inspected for hazards. The heating system, chimneys and flues should be inspected and cleaned by qualified technicians every year. Make sure the chimney has proper ventilation and is kept free of leaves, debris and nests.
Inspect the furnace and other appliances such as gas ovens, ranges and cook tops. Make sure they are all properly ventilated and the pilot light is safely on.
Do not burn charcoal inside your home or garage, vehicle or tent!
DO NOT camp with portable camping equipment inside your home, garage, vehicle or tent!
DO NOT put gasoline equipment inside the house or garage or cellar, NOT even with the doors open!
DO NOT block or seal drains or passages to appliances such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
Make sure all tools are added according to manufacturer’s instructions and local specifications.
DO NOT use gas reserves as ranges, furnaces and clothes dryers to heat your home.
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Head
I am dizzy
Nausea
vomiting
Flu-like symptoms
fatigue
Shortness of breath
Complete judgment
chest pain
confusion
Depression
Hallucinations
Agitation
symptoms for flu and tragic deaths. ALWAYS ASK MEDICINES! Carbon monoxide makes people sleep, or if they are sleeping, it wakes people up from sleep.
If any of the above signs and symptoms are to be noted, immediately move to fresh air. medical emergency seek help! You are safe!
