Though it happens more during fall and winter months, it still threatens families year round. Silent, odorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is an ever-present danger in our homes. Sadly, an estimated 15,000 people are confirmed with carbon monoxide poisoning every year according to the Center for Disease Control. Even more concerning is the 200-300 carbon monoxide-related deaths reported each year.
Battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors can offer a good deal of protection, as do home security alarm systems equipped to monitor carbon monoxide levels. But education and preparation are the most valuable types of protection you can have.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
According to the Office of Homeland Security and the U. S. Fire Administration, carbon monoxide is produced by gas furnaces, heaters, generators, power tools, water heaters, gas-, oil- and coal-burning home appliances, charcoal grills, camp stoves, cars, trucks other vehicles, and more. As you can see, carbon monoxide (CO) is everywhere.
Home security alarms with CO monitors should be placed in every area where the above-mentioned items are used or stored. This will help provide a warning in the event CO levels rise too high.
Who Is At Risk?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, but certain groups of people are more likely to succumb or die from exposure to CO. The Center for Disease Control reports, “The CO poisoning death rate was highest among people over 65 and likely attributed to their being at higher risk for undetected CO exposure. Symptoms of CO exposure often resemble those associated with other health conditions that are common among the elderly and they may not seek prompt medical attention for undetected CO exposures.”
Likewise, it was also found that men have a higher risk of death. “Although males and females were equally likely to visit emergency departments for CO exposure, males were 2.3 times more likely to die from CO exposure.”
In addition, infants and small children are at greater risk of getting CO poisoning.
What Are the Symptoms?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often overlooked because its symptoms emulate those of other common illnesses. Nausea, headache, dizziness and sleepiness are most often reported early on. These can be attributed to the flu or a stomach virus. In advanced stages, shortness of breath, loss of muscle control, weakness and unconsciousness can occur.
What To Do In the Event of CO Poisoning
As stated above, carbon monoxide detectors are a first step in protecting your family. However, it is important to realize that these monitors simply sound an alarm. Home security alarm systems equipped with CO detectors go one step further in automatically alerting authorities about CO-related emergencies at your home. In the event you or your family members are rendered unconscious by this deadly gas, help will still be notified.
Don’t overlook the effects of carbon monoxide on you and you family. Take the necessary measures to help prevent deadly CO poisoning. Contact your home security alarm company today to discuss available CO protection services. When you do, you can sleep better knowing your family is being guarded against an invisible killer.
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