Protecting your Family from Carbon Monoxide

Protecting your Family from Carbon Monoxide: Things you need to know

You have heard those tragic stories on the news before about the effects of carbon monoxide but how much do you really know? 

To understand carbon monoxide we first need to know what it is. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no smell and has been described as a silent killer. You will not even be aware of its presence until the damage has already been done. The reality of this menacing gas is that everyone is at risk. It is said to be especially dangerous to the very young and elderly. Those of us that require more oxygen are at an increased risk towards its dangerous effects.

How does it work? 

Carbon monoxide occurs when  there is combustion that is not complete in organic matter due to there not being enough oxygen to complete the full oxidation to carbon dioxide. This deadly gas is produced in carbon based fuels which means that a lot of the machines that you rely on could be capable of producing this gas.

The following types of household machines and appliances are capable of producing carbon monoxide:

Lawn Mowers can produce carbon monoxide.

  

• Lawn Mowers
• Furnaces
• Power Washers
• Automobiles

Any device that is susceptible to the incomplete burning of various fuels.

How can I protect my family from carbon monoxide? 

You should first and foremost ensure that any appliance that comes into your home is installed and maintained by the manufacturers guidelines. We know that reading all of the instructions takes time but it will be worth it. It is important to have a company such as SoBellas preform seasonal maintenance on such appliances. We have a great customer care club that provides you with those needed maintenance visits at a affordable cost. 

You can also take the following steps:

• Do not try to service appliances that use fuel without first doing your homework.
• If you are doing remodeling on your home make sure that you do not block the vents on any of your appliances. 
• Do not turn on the power to a gasoline powered machine in a enclosed area. (ex. car in a closed garage.)
• Make sure that you don't use gas fueled appliances as a heater for your home.

Preventative devices are also very important such as using carbon monoxide alarms. These devices are designed to inform you of any carbon monoxide gas before it reaches a deadly level. 

What if my alarm goes off showing that there is carbon monoxide?

This step is easy to remember. You MUST leave the home and contact 911. Under no circumstances should you go back into the home until the authorities have properly inspected it and have deemed it to be safe to reenter.  

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