Home Safety - Please Review
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer. After reading a sobering article after last week's east coast snow storm about carbon monoxide poisoning deaths related to the storm, I thought it was a good time to write on the subject.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas byproduct of fuels not burning completely (termed incomplete combustion). Appliances and vehicles that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the latest data shows that in 2010, fire departments responded to over 80,000 carbon monoxide incidents where elevated levels of CO was found - an average of over 9 calls per hour. This number has increased about 96% since 2003, most likely due to an increased awareness and use of CO detectors.
 
We have compiled several home-related carbon monoxide safety tips and information. For a more information about Carbon Monoxide poisoning from the NFPA, click the following link: NFPA CO
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
1) Locations in the home
Recommended placement of CO alarms are: 1) central location outside of each sleeping area and 2) every level of your home.
 
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and mounting height.

*Homes with a heating system that uses a boiler should have a CO alarm installed near the boiler. 
2) Test recommendations and tips
The NFPA recommends to test the units at least once a month. Test your CO alarms at the same time as your smoke detectors.
 
Replace the alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 
Never leave a car or other fuel burning item (lawn mower, snow blower, etc) running inside a garage, even with the door open.

Make sure snow is not covering the exhaust of: cars, gas clothes dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces.

Leave fireplace dampers open until the fire is out and all coals are cold, and have chimney (including furnace exhaust stacks) and vents cleaned and inspected each fall before the heating season begins.

Do not use a gas or charcoal grills in your home or garage. Do not heat your home with a gas or propane heater that is not connected to a ventilation system. Do not heat your home with your oven.
3) Know the signs of CO poisoning
Some of the signs of CO poisoning can resemble that of a rough morning after a night of partying, or flu or sickness onset.

Signs include everything from headaches and drowsiness to confusion, nausea, shortness of breath, and labored breathing. 

CO poisoning can occur with high doses in a short period of time or smaller doses over a longer period of time. 
 
*If a CO alarm sounds off, move immediately to a fresh air location or by an open window. If anyone is feeling sick, take them to an emergency room or call 911 for help. If no one is sick, call the emergency number for your gas company or heating professional and request that someone come to test your home and fix the CO issue. Do NOT go back into the home until the gas company or heating professional gives an all-clear indication.
We hope these tips have been helpful. Feel free to share it with anyone you think may benefit from it and keep us in mind if you ever need assistance in any realty matter.  
 
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