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CO Safety Tips
Every year have the heating system,vents,chimney and
flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician.
Always install appliances according to manufacturer’s
instructions and adhere to local building codes. Most
appliances should be installed by professionals and
inspected after installation. Regularly examine vents
and chimneys for improper connections,visible rust,or
stains,and check for cracks in furnace heat exchangers.
Verify the color of flame on pilot lights and burners is
blue. A yellow or orange flame is a sign that the fuel is
not burning completely. Teach all household members
what the alarm sounds like and how to respond.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Initial carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are
similar to the flu with no fever and can include
dizziness,severe headaches,nausea,vomiting and
disorientation.Everyone is susceptible but experts
agree that unborn babies,pregnant women,senior citi-
zens and people with heart or respiratory problems are
especially vulnerable. If symptoms of carbon monoxide
poisoning are experienced seek medical attention
immediately. CO poisoning can be determined by a car-
boxyhemoglobin test.
The following symptoms are related to CARBON
MONOXIDE POISONING and should be discussed with
ALL members of the household:
1. Mild Exposure:
Slight headache,nausea,vomit
ing,fatigue (often described as “Flu-like”
symptoms).
2. Medium Exposure: Severe throbbing headache,
drowsiness,confusion,fast heart rate.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Information
3. Extreme Exposure: Unconsciousness,
convulsions,cardiorespiratory failure,death.
The above levels of exposure relate to healthy adults.
Levels differ for those at high risk.Exposure to high
levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal or cause perma-
nent damage and disabilities. Many cases of reported car-
bon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are
aware they are not well,they become so disoriented they
are unable to save themselves by either exiting the build-
ing,or calling for assistance. Also,young children and
household pets may be the first effected.Familiarization
with the effects of each level is important.
Fire Safety Information
Escape Plan
Prepare and practice a home escape plan twice a year.
Know two ways out of every room (door & window) and
identify a meeting place outside the home where every-
one will gather once they have exited the residence.
When two people have reached the meeting place,one
should leave to call 911 while the second person stays to
account for additional family members. Establish a rule
that once you’re out, you never reenter under any
circumstance!
Carbon Monoxide Safety Information
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