When All Hell Breaks Loose (27 page)

The health affects from carbon monoxide depend on the levels of carbon monoxide present, the length of the exposure, and each individual's age and health condition. The individuals most at risk are infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic heart disease or respiratory problems, but everyone, even the family pets, are vulnerable.

What to Do If Poisoned by Carbon Monoxide

If you suspect that you or a loved one has carbon monoxide poisoning, take action immediately!

1 Get out! Move the affected person to fresh air immediately and give supplemental oxygen if available.

2 Contact medical help if available.

3 If the person is not breathing, perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives.

4 Turn off any combustion appliances.

5 Make sure to ventilate the area of concern by opening windows and doors and leave the house.

6
Make repairs to the cause of carbon monoxide as soon as possible. Don't space out and forget that the area in suspicion is a danger. Remember, carbon monoxide is invisible to you and your loved ones!

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure from Occurring

Check the flame colors of your appliances
. If it's yellow or orange, you have a carbon monoxide problem!

Check all flues for blockages
. Make sure flues are open, drawing properly, and free from debris such as excess carbon, bird nests, or plants. Flue guards should be installed to prevent critters and debris from accumulating in the first place.

Make sure your home has adequate ventilation
. All fuel-burning appliances will produce carbon monoxide if they are starved for oxygen.

Choose the proper size of woodstove
. Hopefully it's certified to meet EPA emission standards, and make sure that all of the doors fit tightly. Fiberglass door gaskets are commonly available from any commercial stove dealer.

Check that appliances are installed properly and are serviced regularly
. Make sure that all fuel-burning appliances were installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Have them inspected, adjusted, and serviced every year. Don't mess around with do-it-yourself machismo if you don't know what you're doing!

Purchase "vented" space heaters whenever possible
. (Note: The careless use of space heaters is renowned for starting house fires. Never use space heaters on carpeted areas and keep them at least three feet from all combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, and drapes. Don't suspend wet clothing or other articles on or around the heater to dry as they could catch fire. Keep children and pets away from the heater and never leave the heater on when sleeping or leaving the area. If the heater cord or plug feels hot, unplug it and call a repairman to check for problems. Keep an ABC dry powder fire extinguisher in your home at all times.)

Don't burn charcoal grills or fuel-burning camping equipment in ANY closed environment such as homes, tents, vehicles, garages, etc
. (Note: I use a two-burner propane stove in my home for
cooking
only, a temporary event as opposed to trying to heat the home.)

Don't leave the car idling in your attached garage even if you have the garage door open
.

Never use ANY fuel-burning appliances such as clothes dryers, ovens, or stoves for heating your house
.

Never use fuel-burning appliances in rooms with all of the doors and windows shut, or where people are or will be sleeping
.

Don't use gasoline-powered tools, generators, etc., indoors
.