Cold Weather Is Coming, How Safe Is Your Home?

 

Cold weather is fast approaching, and most people are beginning to winterize their homes.
While going through our Winter preparations, one very important thing is often overlooked. Unfortunately, this one oversight can prove costly or even deadly for those who don't monitor it.

While smoke detectors are generally checked at Daylight Savings Time Changes, most people forget to check their Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and more surprisingly, an increasing number of homes don't even have a means to monitor Carbon Monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. (excerpt from the EPA)

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is becoming more and more prevalent each year. In fact, on September 8, 2008, just three days before this article was written, 16 people, 9 of which are children where poisoned while barbecuing in Hackensack, New Jersey.

How is Carbon Monoxide produced?

Carbon monoxide is produced by appliances and other devices that burn gas, petroleum products, wood and other fuels. Sometimes carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels in your car, home or other poorly ventilated areas.

So, we know now what Carbon Monoxide is, what can we do to prevent it? In this case, early detection is key. Making sure that your house is safe is very cost effective, and as we have already shown, a life saving action. There are several great detectors on the market that are low cost and can detect even the slightest traces of Carbon Monoxide. 

One example of a great Carbon Monoxide Detector is listed below (If you'd like to purchase one or see more info press the picture to be taken to the website.):

Safety Siren Combination Gas Detector

 

• 3-in-1 detector.
• Senses dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide, Propane, and Methane Gas.
• Two independent 85dB alarm sounds, one for CO, the other for methane/liquid propane.
• Every Detector has computerized calibration to help eliminate false alarms.
• Built-in self-diagnostics assures the unit is operating properly.
• Easily plugs into any standard 110-120v AC electrical outlet and samples the air every 2-1/2 minutes.
• Lock tab feature makes the detector tamper proof.
• Advanced surface mount circuitry increases reliability.
• 5 year warranty.

For more carbon monoxide detectors go to: http://www.toolexperts.com/gas-detection-equipment/carbon-monoxide-detection/