The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors ~ by Jennifer Daniels

I didn’t plan on writing about this today, but I feel now that I must. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that is a killer. CO is a fume that is found in anything that is run by gas, oil, or coal.

As a nurse, only once did I witness first-hand what CO poisoning does to people. Luckily, the family had a second chance at life where many others do not.

Signs and symptoms can mimic the flu: headache, weakness, vomiting, upset stomach, confusion, and chest pain. But the long-term effects are much worse if not caught right away: seizures, organ failure, coma, and death to name a few.

Everyone should have a battery-operated CO detector installed in their homes. An easy way to remember to change the batteries is during daylight savings time. When you adjust your clocks change your detectors’ batteries. Test them every so often to see if they are still working. If you need help remembering, write it on your calendar or set a reminder on your computer or phone.

Have your furnace inspected yearly. If you have a generator, never run them inside of your home or garage, and keep it at a safe distance from your home.

I live in a very small town where everyone is related or knows one another. This past weekend our community lost two of our own from CO poisoning along with their dog and bird. Often we take life for granted but then something like this happens. Not only is it a shock but it’s also unthinkable and preventable.

For more information on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning go to www.cdc.gov