When the Carbon Monoxide alarm sounds, what next?
By Heather
By Heather
According to a recent study conducted by UL, most Americans are still at risk for Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. So, we’re dedicating our Safety at Home blog this month to raising awareness for basic prevention, inspection, and detection.
62% of survey respondents couldn’t correctly detect CO poisoning symptoms — which typically result in flu-like symptoms — and 70% don’t inspect common household sources of CO emission, such as a furnace or hot water heater, at least once a year.
Since CO doesn’t have an odor or color, a CO alarm and professional inspection are the very best ways to know if your home is safe.
Be ready to react when you DETECT a problem
- If a CO alarm sounds, don’t disable it. Immediately open windows and doors for ventilation and move to a fresh air location outdoors. Make sure everyone from inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
- After a CO alarm sounds, always have a professional inspect your home so the source of CO can be identified, and have it fixed immediately.
- If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning – headache, dizziness or other flu-like symptoms – immediately evacuate the house, call the fire department and seek medical attention.
More tips in this video.
Related post: CO poisoning mistaken for a haunting!
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