It's the time of year when the cold prompts people from Littleton to Aurora to Highlands Ranch to utilize their fireplaces and space heaters.
I thought it was important to remind you of how to properly utilize these tools and protect yourself and house from not only fire, but also carbon monoxide poisoning.
Of course, as it concerns poisoning from carbon monoxide, the most important step is to ensure that you have at least one, functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home or workplace.
I gathered some information here from the Denver Health Trauma and Injury Prevention Program. My thanks to this community resource for their good work.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death
How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Denver
Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals.
Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Avoid using a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
By Sideroxylon (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Install CO alarms in the every sleeping area of the home.
If you cannot afford to do this, install one in the hallway near every sleeping area or one on each level. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
Avoid using portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
Avoid burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
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