Carbon Monoxide 101: The Need to Install CO Sensors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odor-free, colorless gas produced by incomplete burning of materials like leaves, making it difficult for our senses to detect the presence of CO in our homes. Harmful concentrations of this gas can accumulate in our homes and it is only when we get sick when we become aware of this dangerous gas. CO poisoning is also difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to the flu. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 500 Americans die per year from unexpected exposure to CO. CDC also estimated that 8,000 – 15,000 Americans are examined or treated for non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning in hospitals.
The home can also get CO from fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. The other common sources of carbon monoxide at home include the following:
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Wood stoves
• Boilers or furnaces
• Wood or gas burning fireplaces
• Clothes dryers
• Automobiles
• Water heaters
• Power tools and equipment
• Cigarette smoke
• Power generators
Can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. Save yourself and your family’s life from this fatal gas by following these tips –
1. Follow the local building code and manufacturer’s instructions when installing and operating appliances. It is important that appliances like the heating system are installed by licensed professionals. Make sure that the appliances are checked and serviced yearly to ensure proper use and operation. Have your flue and chimney examined for corrosion, blockages, loose connections, and partial and complete disconnections.
2. Do not attempt to fix fuel-burning appliances without the correct skills, knowledge, and tools. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual when performing small repairs or adjustments.
3. Do not use moveable fuel-burning camping equipment inside the garage, home, tent or vehicle except if it is specially designed for use in an enclosed area. Ensure that the product contains the manufacturer’s guide and instructions on using the equipment.
4. Do not heat your home using gas appliances such as clothes dryers, ranges or ovens.
5. Do not burn charcoal inside a tent, garage, home or vehicle.
6. Do not operate gasoline engine-powered tool or a portable generator in or near a house, building or garage. Lethal levels of CO are trapped and can accumulate in these areas even if windows and doors are open.
7. Do not leave a vehicle running in an attached garage even if the door is open.
8. Do not cover the bottom of propane or natural gas ovens with aluminum foil. This will block the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce carbon monoxide.
9. Do not operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where they are people sleeping.
10. Make sure that vents of appliances and chimneys are clean when renovating your home. Ensure that the appliances are working properly once the renovations are completed.
11. Install a carbon monoxide sensor. Ensure that the security system equipment meets the safety standard requirements of the present UL 2034. Install the CO sensor in the entryway and near the sleeping areas of your home. Make sure that it is not covered by curtains or furniture. A CO sensor can give extra protection and safety, it is still important to observe the proper use and maintenance of CO-producing appliances.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home by following the tips above such as installing a CO sensor. Getting your home equip with the proper security systems Los Angeles device gives you peace of mind! For more info visit:- http://omdsecurity.com
The home can also get CO from fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. The other common sources of carbon monoxide at home include the following:
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Wood stoves
• Boilers or furnaces
• Wood or gas burning fireplaces
• Clothes dryers
• Automobiles
• Water heaters
• Power tools and equipment
• Cigarette smoke
• Power generators
Can carbon monoxide poisoning be prevented?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. Save yourself and your family’s life from this fatal gas by following these tips –
1. Follow the local building code and manufacturer’s instructions when installing and operating appliances. It is important that appliances like the heating system are installed by licensed professionals. Make sure that the appliances are checked and serviced yearly to ensure proper use and operation. Have your flue and chimney examined for corrosion, blockages, loose connections, and partial and complete disconnections.
2. Do not attempt to fix fuel-burning appliances without the correct skills, knowledge, and tools. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual when performing small repairs or adjustments.
3. Do not use moveable fuel-burning camping equipment inside the garage, home, tent or vehicle except if it is specially designed for use in an enclosed area. Ensure that the product contains the manufacturer’s guide and instructions on using the equipment.
4. Do not heat your home using gas appliances such as clothes dryers, ranges or ovens.
5. Do not burn charcoal inside a tent, garage, home or vehicle.
6. Do not operate gasoline engine-powered tool or a portable generator in or near a house, building or garage. Lethal levels of CO are trapped and can accumulate in these areas even if windows and doors are open.
7. Do not leave a vehicle running in an attached garage even if the door is open.
8. Do not cover the bottom of propane or natural gas ovens with aluminum foil. This will block the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce carbon monoxide.
9. Do not operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where they are people sleeping.
10. Make sure that vents of appliances and chimneys are clean when renovating your home. Ensure that the appliances are working properly once the renovations are completed.
11. Install a carbon monoxide sensor. Ensure that the security system equipment meets the safety standard requirements of the present UL 2034. Install the CO sensor in the entryway and near the sleeping areas of your home. Make sure that it is not covered by curtains or furniture. A CO sensor can give extra protection and safety, it is still important to observe the proper use and maintenance of CO-producing appliances.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home by following the tips above such as installing a CO sensor. Getting your home equip with the proper security systems Los Angeles device gives you peace of mind! For more info visit:- http://omdsecurity.com
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