A home is the place where families gather for Sunday dinners or sleep after a hard day at work, but there is also a danger lurking in many homes that may hang around for while without being noticed until it is too late. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous and can lead to death if not detected. Investing in inexpensive carbon monoxide detectors is an expense every home should endure.
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer due to there being no significant odor or notice of the presence of the gas. Individuals may experience many symptoms when they breathe in this poisonous gas. Vomiting, nausea, shakiness, headache, disoriented, chest pain and dizziness are a few of the symptoms, which may occur individually, or all at once. The worst scenario is death, which does happen when the situation is not taking care of. The symptoms are so similar to the flu or possible heart attack that many people will go to the emergency room for treatment only to find out it is the result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In many cases, a family will attempt to treat the illness without seeking medical attention and unfortunately do not find out until it is too late that it was not the flu. The effects of this poisonous gas will affect pets as well as human family members. Those will other health problems are at higher risk such as those suffering with respiratory illness, heart problems or the elderly and infants. Each year there are approximately four thousands deaths and thirty thousand hospital visits because of carbon monoxide.
The gas can be present in any area of the residence but there are areas with a higher risk of being the source to leakage. Vent free gas fireplaces, gas heating system, kerosene heater, gas stoves, attached garage with running vehicle, clogged gas dryer ducts, gas water heater and storing a gas grill indoors could all be responsible for leaking gas.
Inspect all areas of your home to determine if there is a possible leak by having a professional come to do an inspection once a year. A professional will be able to determine if there are possible cracks in pipelines.
The pilot lights on items should be inspected to determine if there is a possible leak. A flame should be blue at all times, if there is yellow in the flame it could be the result of a leak. Never leave your vehicle running in the garage especially if attached to the home and check the flue before lighting a fire in the fireplace.
Detectors are available in different styles and price ranges but there are basically three models to choose from. A biometric gives good coverage for approximately ten years and works by absorbing the odor from the air onto a gel film and will alert homeowners of excess. These require the battery and the sensory module be changed every two years. An electrochemical style has a self powered battery and the unit will last about five years. The semiconductor is the style most often used as it only needs to be removed from the package and plugged in and usually works about five years.
When installing a detector there should be one on each floor of the residence. When rooms are somewhat in distance from each other it is a good idea to put on in each bedroom, in the hallway and in the main living areas. This can be an extremely hazardous problem if not addressed. It is much easier to install a few detectors in the home than to face the alternative. For homes with pets and infants that are unable to verbalize discomfort, installing carbon monoxide detectors is essential.
Did you know that carbon monoxide detectors can help save your life as well as that of your family? We’ve got the ultimate inside info on top home safety tips .
Tags: carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide detectors, Home and Family, Home Security
