Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Through Fire Safety
Published by Fred at June 25th, 2010Having carbon monoxide introduced into the human body is not a good thing. The gas can quickly cause the human body to react, and quickly shut the body down if given the chance. Carbon monoxide is not easily found with the five senses of the body, either. It’s a silent killer that should be protected against.
In addition to your fire detector, you should have a carbon monoxide detection device installed. Some fire detectors will have these conveniently already built in. The detector should be placed near common areas such as the garage, living room, and kitchen. Carbon monoxide has nearly the same density as air, so the detector may be placed at any elevation in your average home.
Always take care with cleaning a chimney if you use a fireplace on a periodic basis. Chimneys are easily blocked over time through the remnants of char that come as a result of the smoke and sediment that a fire kicks up. When it completely blocks the chimney, all the carbon monoxide will flood throughout the home. It has been known to silently kill entire families in their sleep.
Be careful when handling light sources that are not modern in design. Electric light sources are fairly safe, considering in the past it was considered normal to “burn the midnight oil.” In using something such as a kerosene lamp, you are only inviting a fire into the home. Some keep these lamps around for when power goes out. The truth is, things such as battery powered flashlights are much safer and less expensive.
Any heater is a subject of worry. Gas heaters are efficient in design, and safe, but can be misused to create explosive results. A gas heater that isn’t maintained properly is an example of how a good situation will inevitably go bad. Always follow specifications as mentioned in the handbook. If you are a new homeowner, be sure to look online from the manufacturers website if you don’t have the handbook. Use approved fuels only- there have also been cases of fire from using substitute fuels.
The garage area should have special walling to prevent fires and carbon monoxide from passing through. Vehicles will expel carbon monoxide: enough to the point where if it seeped through the home, it could cause fatalities rather easy. Special paint will repel the gas, while firewalls will attempt to keep any fire trying to get through at bay.
Final Thoughts
The harsh reality of carbon monoxide is that it is a quick and silent killer. Take every precaution listed, but also go further to expand your knowledge on carbon monoxide. Visit trusted sources such as MasterGuard, firefighters you may know, or read more online. You can’t get enough information when your family is at risk. Consider buying detection kits and maintain them appropriately.
Learn more about MasterGuard Fund and MasterGuard.