Gwinnett Fire: Carbon Monoxide Can Be 'Silent Killer'

Following Tuesday’s report of four family members being sickened due to high carbon monoxide levels in their Peachtree Corners home, the Gwinnett County fire department released these tips on preventing CO emergencies:

PREVENTING CARBON MONOXIDE EMERGENCIES

(Lawrenceville, Ga., January 6, 2015) – Carbon Monoxide (CO) has been described as the silent killer. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that’s hard to detect. CO can cause illness or possibly death before you know it’s there. When inhaled CO bonds with the hemoglobin in the blood stream, displacing needed oxygen to the body.

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services suggest installing a CO detector in the main-living area of the home, especially near the bedrooms. Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of combustion. It comes from the incomplete combustion of gas or oil fired appliances such as furnaces, dryers, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and car engines. A high-percentage of carbon monoxide poisonings are from home heating systems that are not properly installed or maintained. Improper use of a gas appliance may also be a contributing factor. Firefighters suggest having all home heating appliances inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. This important task should be done long before the temperatures outside begin to drop.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for those accompanying the flu. The difference is that these symptoms will go away after leaving the home (or CO source) for a period of time. Symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, dizzy spells, and fatigue. If you feel the effects of CO poisoning, go outside to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning. Remember to call the fire department (9-1-1) to report a carbon monoxide leak as well as any exposure symptoms. Leave the house closed-up and the appliances turned-on. This will help firefighters determine the exact source of the leak within the structure. Never ignore an alarming CO detector. Try operating the reset feature (reset button) if provided on the device. If the alarm continues to sound, evacuate immediately and call for help.

The following are tips to avoid a carbon monoxide emergency in the home:

· Make sure that all home heating appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. Appliances should be installed by a certified professional.

· When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, remember to select products tested and labeled by an independent testing laboratory.

· Have all home heating appliances (space heaters, fireplaces, furnace, and hot water heaters)serviced annually by someone qualified to do the job. This should be done before temperatures outside start to drop.

· Install a CO detector in the hallway near the bedrooms and in the main-living area of the home. Make sure that everyone in the household knows the sound of the CO detector and the smoke detector. Test and maintain CO detectors based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Never burn charcoal inside a house or other enclosed area such as a garage or tent.

· Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a house, garage, vehicle, or tent.

· Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.

· Never use gasoline-powered tools and engines (such as generators) indoors. Generators should be placed outdoors - away from the structure in a well-ventilated area.

· If you have to warm a vehicle before leaving, remove it from the garage immediately after starting the engine. Be sure that the exhaust pipe is unobstructed.

· When using the fireplace, remember to open the damper/chimney flue for adequate ventilation.

For additional information on home fire safety or preventing carbon monoxide emergencies, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.