Carbon monoxide poisoning is something that everyone should know about; homeowners and tenants.  When it comes to carbon monoxide it’s always important to know how to protect yourself and your family.

The first thing you need to know about carbon monoxide is you can’t actually see or smell it , making it all the more dangerous. Whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned, carbon monoxide is produced.

Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. There are many different types so be sure to do some research and get the best one for your situation.  Also make sure you are getting a detector that meets the current safety standards.  It’s important to understand that you can’t rely solely on the detector as they can malfunction.  It is a good idea to also try to prevent carbon monoxide in your home from reaching dangerous levels.

Here are some tips on how to help prevent carbon monoxide from posing a problem in your home:

• Make sure appliances are installed and operated correctly, following the manufacturer’s instruction manuals
• Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced annually
• Choose appliances that vent fumes outside of your home when possible

Knowing  the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning could save your life. Below is a list of symptoms that one may experience with carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of Consciousness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe it could be due to carbon monoxide you should:

• Immediately evacuate the residence and get fresh air
• Contact your local fire department to report your symptoms
• Set up an appointment to meet with your doctor for a proper diagnosis
• If carbon monoxide is the case be sure to have a qualified service person come out and check the appliances.
• Get the home cleared before reentering

Some more severe symptoms of high level carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Mental Confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of Muscular Coordination
• Loss of Consciousness
• Ultimately death if medical attention is not sought

It’s always better to error on the side of safety, be sure to take all of the precautions when it comes to carbon monoxide.