Dying to Stay Warm-Carbon Monoxide Kills
The subzero wind chills of this past January and early February, have kept more Minnesotans hunkered down in their homes with the fireplaces roaring and furnaces blowing away. The cold snap, along with unsafe heating practices, will expose many across the U.S. to carbon monoxide. In the past five years, more than 2500 people have been hospitalized and 140 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Minnesota. As a MN Realtor, I try hard to keep my clients informed of potential dangers in that could be in any home. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is especially dangerous because it is not detectable by sight or smell. To protect your family, you must have at least one CO detector properly installed in your home. It could save your lives.
So what is carbon monoxide and where does it come from?
Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when fuels like coal, wood, natural gas and propane are burned. This gas cannot be seen and does not have an odor. In a properly ventilated home, CO gas would go up the chimney flue and not accumulate. But poorly maintained appliances, tuck-under or attached garages, and even heavy cigarette smoke can cause a build up of CO when there is not proper ventilation. When homes are tightly sealed against the elements, there is a higher risk of poisoning.
How can I tell if I have been exposed to Carbon Monoxide?
That's the sad thing about CO poisoning. Most people die or become seriously ill because they think they have the flu. The initial symptoms are similar: nausea, headache, fatigue. When a person has been seriously exposed, there is confusion. This, combined with severe drowsiness, is often a lethal combination as the affected person or persons cannot think straight and often just lie down and go to sleep without knowing that they are being poisoned.
There are simple and inexpensive ways to protect your family from this deadly poison. The time is now to take those steps!
**Don't leave a fire to burn out and smolder in your fireplace.
**Don't use your stove, range, oven or dryer as a heat source.
**Never leave your car to warm up in your garage-Even with the door open.
**Never barbecue inside your home or garage.
**Have furnace and other fuel burning appliances checked regularly by qualified professional and verify that all appliances are adequately ventilated.
**Check periodically that your vents and chimneys are not blocked by a nest or other debris.
**Purchase and place Carbon Monoxide detectors that have a loud alarm within 10 feet of every bedroom in your home.
In January 2007, a new law took effect in Minnesota requiring that all new homes and apartments have carbon monoxide detectors installed within 10 feet of each bedroom. Existing homes will be required to have them in 2008 and existing apartment buildings by 2009.
Don't wait for your state to enact a law. This law is only on the books in Minnesota because so many people have needlessly died. Protect yourself and your family by purchasing a CO detector with an alarm. For less than $40, it is one of the best gifts you can give to your loved ones.
Copyright 2007 Teri Eckholm
Related Tags: home, realtor, winter, fireplace, minnesota, furnace, carbon monoxide, co detector
Teri Eckholm is a Minnesota Realtor with Keller Williams Premier Realty serving clients in the Twin Cities metro area for over six years. Selected as a 2004 and 2005 Super Agent by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, her extensive sales and marketing background has allowed her to assist hundreds of clients move from across town and across the U. S. Find additional information on Teri and get a FREE relocation package at http://www.terieckholm.com or visit her blog at http://www.mnrealstateupdate.blogspot.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the