As you fire up your furnace for the first time this season, you are putting your family at risk. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. You won’t smell it, you won’t taste it and you won’t see it, but it can and it will kill you if you are not careful. Wescott Fire Department wants to keep you and your family safe this winter. Here are some facts that will help keep your home a safe place for the winter.

Signs and Symptoms of CO Poisoning:

Headaches Chest Tightness Dizziness Nausea/Vomiting Feeling Weak/Faint Shortness of Breath Mental Confusion Redness of the Face Lethargic (very tired)

Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the cold/flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Causes of CO Poisoning:

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a normal bi-product whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. CO Posioning occurs when the appliances that burn these fuels are malfunctioning, improperly used, or not adequately ventilated. Running vehicles also produce CO, even if you have the garage door open, you are still susceptible to CO coming into your home. Carbon monoxide is harmful when you breathe it in because CO displaces oxygen in the blood (it binds to your red blood cells more easily than oxygen) and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs from that needed oxygen. Large amounts of Carbon Monoxide can overcome you in minutes without any warning causing you to lose consciousness and eventually you suffocate. Be aware that the symptoms of CO Poisoning vary from person to person. CO Poisoning can come on sooner in those most susceptible: young children, elderly, people with lung or heart disease (such as CHF, Chronic Bronchitis, COPD, and Asthma) people at high altitudes, (consider those who are visiting from out of state) or those who already have elevated CO blood levels, such as smokers. CO Poisoning poses an elevated risk to pregnant women. Your fetus is attached to your blood and oxygen supply. Extra caution should be taken if you are pregnant and suspect CO Poisoning.

What Do I Do if I Suspect CO Poisoning?

Evacuate everyone from your home immediately. Get fresh air. Call 911 from another location. Call your utilites agency from another location. Go to an emergency room. A blood test will need to be done to see how much CO has binded to your blood. Treatment may be necessary.

IMPORTANT!!! DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS OR LEAVE DOORS OPEN… LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND CALL 911. FIREFIGHTERS AND UTILITIES WORKERS WILL WANT TO PINPOINT THE CAUSE OF THE CO. The best way for us to do this is to have the home sealed.

How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning?

Choose appliances (such as cooking ranges, water heaters and space heaters) that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions. Do not idle your car in your garage. Do not use gas or kerosene space heaters indoors. Do not use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time. Make sure that your chimney is in good condition, clean and not blocked. Have your chimney cleaned and checked annually. Open or crack your windows on nice days to get fresh air and ventilate your home. DO NOT IGNORE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CO POISIONING, ESPECAILLY IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON IS EXPERIENCING THEM. YOU COULD LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS AND DIE. GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 911!!!

How Do I Choose a CO Detector?

Keep in mind, that like smoke detectors, the best form of safety is prevention. Keeping your house free of hazards that will cause a CO problem is the best way to keep your family safe. CO detectors are still a new application; sensitivity to CO readings will vary from very low to very high before an alarm will sound. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider purchasing a detector as a secondary insurance for your family. When shopping for detectors, look for those that have a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approval. Like smoke detectors, carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for the detector’s placement, use, and maintenance. If you are unclear of where or how to install your detector, contact the on duty shift and we would be more than happy to assist you.