Maintaining a safe and comfortable home requires an effective multi tiered strategy that covers all of the different elements of the property. Ensuring door locks properly work and are secure, doors and windows are effective, and having an advanced and properly monitored security system (such as NEXGEN) isn’t the only thing to consider. Carbon monoxide detection and protection needs to be on your radar as well.
Before knowing the best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of a carbon monoxide leak, it’s important to know the items in the home which release the toxic gas in the first place.
‘• Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters
• Leaking chimneys and furnaces
• Back-drafting from furnaces
• Gas water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces
• Gas stoves
• Generators and other gasoline powered equipment
• Automobile exhaust from attached garages
• Tobacco smoke
How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen?
Dangerous situations occur when carbon monoxide is trapped in poorly ventilated, contained spaces where people are, according to the Mayo Clinic. Carbon monoxide poisonings are sometimes seen when people attempt to use generators indoors after a power outage.
If there is too much carbon monoxide in the air you are breathing, your ability to absorb oxygen can be diminished, resulting in serious tissue damage.
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in the hallway near every area of your home that is used for sleeping. Make sure furniture or draperies do not cover the alarm. Travel carbon monoxide alarms are also available for use elsewhere.
• Check to see that your appliances are installed and comply with building codes and manufacturer’s instructions. Qualified professionals should install most appliances.
• Get your heating system professionally inspected and serviced every year, as well as chimneys and flues.
• Do not use charcoal inside your house or your garage, vehicle or tent.
• In an attached garage, even if the door is open, do not leave a car running.
• Do not operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in a room where people are sleeping
• Do not operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool in or near any house, garage or other enclosed space.
• If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, go outside and call 911 immediately. Do not return to the building until emergency services personnel gives you the all-clear.’ (Elizabeth Landau, cnn.com)
Staying on top of the effectiveness of the elements in the home which can create carbon monoxide is crucial. Also, make sure that the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors are regularly tested. At Henderson Security we have customized security options that can meet any of your needs. Contact us to learn more!