Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Have you turned on your heat for the year? When was the last time you had your home heating system inspected? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless – and poisonous – gas that older home heating systems can sometimes emit. Other household appliances like stoves, furnaces and space heaters can also be a source of this deadly gas.
Follow these 4 tips to stay safe while there’s a chill in the air:
1. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Smoke detectors are in every home, so why risk living without a carbon monoxide detector? They monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in the air and sounds the alarm if the gas is detected. You’ll need a carbon monoxide detector in every living area in your home, just to be safe. Already have carbon monoxide detectors installed? Be sure you maintain them regularly by changing out the batteries.
2. Start warming up your car outside of the garage.
Proper ventilation is key when avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning, so never run an engine in an enclosed area. When warming up your car in the garage before work, make sure you’ve opened the garage door to let fresh air from the outside in. Similarly, avoid running stoves, grills, or generators in basements or garages. Even appliances made for indoor use can sometimes emit carbon monoxide if they are broken or malfunctioning.
3. Clean your vents and fireplaces.
After a storm or particularly heavy snowfall, you’ll need to head outside and make sure your vents aren’t being blocked by leaves or snow. And before you have your first fire of the season, thoroughly clean out your fireplace and flue. Even if you’ve recently had your vents and fireplace serviced, faulty repairs or negligent cleaning can go unnoticed – until it is too late.
4. Watch out for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Even low concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air can have an effect on your health. Look out for signs of fatigue, headache, nausea, chest pain and confusion – they can be a warning of worse symptoms to come. If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, open windows and let fresh air in immediately. Seek medical attention if you suspect someone has carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you and your family have experienced the silent killer that is carbon monoxide poisoning, contact a Virginia carbon monoxide lawyer as soon as possible. Immediate investigation can make a real difference in the success or failure of your case.
CO Poisoning Injuries Caused by Negligence
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC have helped victims who have suffered from the serious side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a negligent individual or entity. If you have been poisoned and would like to speak with our of our experienced attorneys, contact us for a free case review.