Have you installed a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home?
Do you check or change the batteries in your CO detector every six months?
Do you know that you have to leave your home immediately and call 911 if a CO detector alarm goes on?
Is your heating system, water heater and any other device for burning gas, oil or coal serviced by a qualified technician every year?
Do you keep vents and flues free of debris?
Do you avoid burning anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented?
Do you avoid heating your house with a gas oven?
Do you know that you should not leave the engine running in a vehicle parked in a garage that is attached to your house, even if you leave the door open?
Do you know that you should not use a generator, charcoal grill, camping stove or other gasoline or charcoal burner in your home, basement, and garage or near a window?
Do you know that you should not run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine that is less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent?
Do you know that you should seek prompt medical help if you suspect CO poisoning and feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous?
Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Be sure to install a CO detector in your home and regularly check or change its batteries every 6 months. Your heating system as well as other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances must be serviced each year by a qualified technician. You should not leave the engine running in a vehicle parked in a garage that is attached to your house, even if you leave the garage door open. Be sure not to use a charcoal grill, lantern, or portable camping stove inside your home, tent or camper.
Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to keep your vents free of debris that could otherwise block them. You should never try to heat your house with a gas oven. If you are running any gasoline-powered engine (generator, pressure washer), you must be more than 20 feet away from a door, window, or vent to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the enclosed area. If your CO detector beeps, you must leave your home immediately and call 911. The common symptoms of CO poisoning are dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea; if you notice them, see a doctor immediately.
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/copoisoning/index.html
CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Guidance
https://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm
jelena mihajlovic
Hi! I’m Jelena Radovanovic. After earning my Phd in General Medicine from the Medical University of Nis, I began a career as a physician in order to pursue my passion for medical science and help treat the people around me. I joined the Medical Center in Nis in 2010 where I gained practical knowledge in real-time situations. In addition to my primary job as a General Practitioner, I’ve worked with nonprofits to help underprivileged patients by providing them with information, services, and assistance.
You can find me on Upwork at: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01d0ef3a1f3aa93918
