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.