With the two recent Carbon Monoxide fatalities in Rice Lake Township, north of Duluth; the Virginia Fire Department, Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are providing this information about Carbon Monoxide and ways to protect you and your family against this silent killer.
Safety Tips
1. Have your home heating systems(including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced every year by a training service technician.
2. Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
3. Never bring a charcoal grill into the house4 for heating or cooking. Do not barbecue in the garage.
4. Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
5. Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
6. Install battery operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
7. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
The Symptoms of CO 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 low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu(but without the fever). They include:
1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Shortness of breath
4. Nausea
5. Dizziness
High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
1. Mental Confusion
2. Vomiting
3. Loss of muscle coordination
4. Loss of consciousness
5. Ultimately death