THE SILENT KILLER

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer!?It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced as a by- product of combustion.?According to the CDC it claims hundreds of lives every year and makes thousands more ill.?

On a local level, the Hanukkah Eve windstorm of Dec 14-15, 2006, produced hurricane-level winds and placed millions of residences and businesses without power.?In some cases, outlying areas were without extended periods of time.?The temperatures dropped after the storm and some took to heating their homes with charcoal grills and gasoline generators, which produce the colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the body’s ability to process oxygen.?This was particularly evidenced in immigrant communities.?Fourteen people were killed, eight of those died of carbon monoxide poisoning in the days following the storm.?

However, there are ways to protect you and your loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning.?The CDC recommends the following:?

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you?change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
• If your CO detector sounds, evacuate your home immediately and?telephone 911.
• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
• Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
• Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.
• Do not heat your house with a gas oven.

We will cover some more great information in our video series this week.?So, stay tuned for more helpful hints on carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.