Beat the Invisible Killer
If you're heading into the chilly winter months without a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, it's time to clear the air.
You can't see it or smell it, but CO could be creeping around your home. Research reveals that carbon monoxide poisoning remains a far too common cause of illness and death, especially among kids. And most poisonings occur in the home. Keep your family alerted of potential problems by installing inexpensive CO sensors and testing them regularly.
Hundreds of people die every year from poisoning from this odorless, colorless gas. Children, unborn babies, and pregnant women are at a particularly high risk. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning -- headache, nausea, dizziness, chest pain -- mimic other illnesses, so it's difficult to diagnose. Sleeping children can become ill before ever complaining of symptoms. Take preventive measures to keep your family safe by installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level and in every bedroom of your home. Create a plan of action for your kids to follow if the alarm does goes off. Stress the importance of leaving the house immediately, and map out a meeting place located in the safety of the fresh air. Do not call for help until you've left the building.
Make sure all appliances in your home are professionally installed and cleaned, including furnaces, water heaters, and the same goes for your chimney. Always leave the fixing and inspecting to the professionals and keep a log of all maintenance or repair visits.
