Take Precautions To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
When it comes to winter, precautions need to be taken to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
By Andrea Nisley
UNL Extension Educator - Family Consumer Science Dawson County
UNL Extension Educator - Family Consumer Science Dawson County
When it comes to winter, precautions need to be taken to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide often is called the silent killer because it is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane, etc., burn incompletely.
Carbon monoxide can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or cars left running in garages.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, nausea, and drowsiness. Extremely high levels of poisoning can be fatal, causing death within minutes. Be especially alert during heavy ice and snow conditions in the heating season and extremely cold weather.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, take these precautions:
-- Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment – such as the vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace -- is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed by snow or ice around.
-- Also be sure that the gas meter is clear. If the meter or an appliance vent are covered in snow, remove the snow carefully with the hand or a brush or broom. Do not remove it by kicking or with a shovel.
Also, be careful not to shovel, plow or blow snow up against the meter or a vent pipe.
-- Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
-- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
-- If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
-- Only use barbecue grills – which can produce carbon monoxide – outside. Never use them in the home, garage, porch or near building openings.
-- Follow the use and care instructions when using portable generators during power outages. Fumes must not enter the home. Safe use is critical.
-- Remember to keep battery-powered lights indoors and in all vehicles.
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