Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Middle Georgia will be experiencing freezing temperatures this week. With the cold front bringing in the low temps, heaters will be working extra hard!  Have you had your heater inspected this season? Is your heater working properly and not releasing toxic gas?  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas, that when inhaled by humans, can be deadly.  Carbon monoxide is usually leaked into the air by malfunctioning water heaters, room heaters, generators, fireplaces, and ranges.  You can also be exposed to CO2 if you leave your car running in a garage with doors shut and no ventilation and should remove your car from the garage, if you decide to leave it running.  Symptoms of low to moderate poisoning are similar to the flu; headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.  Symptoms of high level CO2 poisoning include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death.

Here are some tips for keeping your family safe from carbon monoxide exposure:

• Do not start your car or leave it running even if attached garage door is open.  Make sure you back your car out of the garage and into the driveway before you decide to warm it up.
• Do not have a generator running indoors or outside near a window that is open.
• Make sure your fireplace is properly vented and do not heat your house with a gas oven.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors if you do not already have them.
• Replace batteries in your carbon monoxide detector on a regular basis to make sure it is working properly.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek immediate medical attention. 

WATCH OUT FOR BIKES!!

As the winter months come to an end, you may notice more bicycles on the streets than usual. Here are some tips car drivers and bicycle riders should keep in mind to avoid serious injuries.

Bicycle riders be sure to check your bicycle thoroughly. Is the chain clear of debris? Are your tires inflated? Do your brakes work properly?  Be familiar with your surroundings.  If there are road defects, like pot holes, or water on the road, or construction you want to be aware so you can avoid a possible accident with a car that involves a serious injury.  Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing and do not wear dark colors especially at night. A reflective vest and flashing lights are easy ways to help you stand out.  If you are riding at night, add reflector tape to the front and back of your bike, your pedals, your shoes and even your backpack.  Don’t forget to put your helmet on.  It is illegal in some places to ride a bike without a helmet. Even where it is not required, wearing a helmet is still a good idea because head injuries are the most common fatal injuries.  Keep your eyes protected.  Sunglasses or bicycle safety glasses are a great way to keep dirt, pebbles, and even bugs out of your eyes.  Ride in the direction of traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal.  Do not listen to music or wear headphones while riding a bike.  Loud music in your ears makes it impossible for you to hear cars, sirens or people. 

Car drivers be on the look out for bicyclists.  Cyclists are considered automobiles and obey the same traffic rules as motor vehicles.  Automobile drivers must allow at least 3 feet when passing.  Also, be mindful of side streets where bicyclists may enter the road.

Whether you are a cyclist or driving a motor vehicle, stay alert to your surroundings to avoid a potential car wreck and serious injury.