Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers in Your Home

A Palm Harbor woman had this week, when carbon monoxide fumes from a car running in the garage made their way into her home.

The woman and her two house guests were rushed to local hospitals. A crew took the woman's cat to a local animal emergency hospital. 

This story had a happy ending, everyone involved survived. But, the risk of death for the woman, her guests and cat were very real because carbon monoxide poisoning can be a silent killer.

"With carbon monoxide, you can't see or smell it, and at high levels it can kill a person in a few minutes," says Liz Monforti, Spokesperson for Palm Harbor Fire Rescue.

Monforti says carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by fuel-burning appliances in your home, and other circumstances like a car running in a garage, or gas tools like lawn mowers and leaf blowers running in a garage.

The carbon monoxide levels can get so high, an open garage door does not always provide enough ventilation to keep people from becoming sick.

Monforti says if you have fuel-burning appliances in your home, it's a good idea to get a carbon monoxide alarm. She says it's also good to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning-

Moderate Level Poisoning Symptoms Include-

• Severe Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Fainting

 Low Level Poisoning Symptoms Include

• Shortness of Breath
• Headache
• Feeling like you have the flu

If someone is believed to be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to call 911 immediately, don't wait because that could lead to deadly consequences. Get them to fresh air, turn off appliances, open windows and doors, and evacuate the home.

The Centers for Disease Control has a lot of useful information on its website that is a great resource.