CARBON MONOXIDE – SAFETY TIPS FROM THE SPALDING COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Carbon Monoxide, also, known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include generators, faulty, improperly installed or fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters or fireplaces that are used or incorrectly vented.
It is important to understand the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning because CO is odorless, colorless and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, without a fever, including:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
More severe and high level poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death
A few safety tips include installation and testing of Carbon Monoxide alarms, any generators should be physically placed outside of the home, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of debris and remove vehicles from garages immediately after starting.
For additional information, visit www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/carbon_ monoxide.html or call the Spalding County Fire Department at 770-228-2129.