Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Cold Weather Killer

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste or smell. According to ready.gov an average of 430 American's die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often it is the result of faulty, improperly used or vented consumer products like furnaces, ranges, water heaters, space heaters, and combustion engine-powered equipment, such as portable generators.
However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself, your family and your employees from deadly CO fumes.
-Reduce the chance of CO exposure in your workplace by performing regular maintenance on equipment and appliances that can produce CO.
-Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, including outside of all bedrooms.
-Consider having all fuel burning heating equipment and chimneys serviced annually by a professional.
-Use portable generators only outdoors away from doors, windows, vents or any other openings to prevent fumes from entering the home.
For additional CO safety information, visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov