It took some level-headed action by the fourteen-year-old daughter to open the garage door and convince Alex she would be perfectly happy with a carry-out pizza.
It seems Kristin had attended a carbon monoxide presentation given at her school by the local fire department, and - her father should be proud to know - she was listening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills over 400 people a year in the U.S., and causes over 10,000 to become ill.
Cause For Concern
Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, minus the fever. They include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea and disorientation. Vision may blur, and your reflexes may slow. Some people have a feeling of tightness across their chest.
If you have any of these symptoms inside your home and you feel better outside, you may have CO poisoning. See a doctor immediately.
Appliances To Be Wary Of
The most common source of dangerous CO levels in homes is an improperly maintained furnace. For that reason, have a qualified service person install (and annually inspect) all fuel-burning appliances in your home, trailer, camper or vacation sites.
This includes heating systems, water heaters, kitchen stoves, gas clothes dryers, unvented space heaters, and fireplaces. You should also:
* Check all flue and vent pipes regularly for cracks, loose connections, and corrosion.
* Buy only appliances that display the mark of a recognized testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or the UL label.
* Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances overnight, in a closed room, or in a room in which you are sleeping.
* Make sure burner flames on furnaces and stoves are blue, burn evenly and have a uniform shape. Flames with yellow tips and poorly-defined edges indicate incomplete combustion. Use your exhaust fan when cooking.
* Do not use the oven, gas range or dryer for heating.
* Be sure all combustion appliances are vented directly outside.
* Never ignore a safety device when it shuts off an appliance.
* Follow manufacturer's directions for operation of all appliances.
- furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly.
- rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney.
- debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace, or appliances.
- loose masonry on chimney.
- moisture on inside windows.
- unfamiliar or burning odor. Never ignore the smell of fuel!
More To Know About CO
* Never run a car engine in a closed garage.
* Never use charcoal to heat or cook in a house or enclosed space.
* Use kerosene heaters only in well ventilated rooms.
* Avoid "garage-sale specials" or antique stoves.
* Open a window when a fireplace or any stove is in use.
* CO detectors provide early warning before the gas builds to dangerous levels. Plug-in and corded models are most effective.
* Battery operated models are available for locations away from an electrical outlet, or if you heat with wood. Be sure they have the UL label.
* People who live in energy-efficient homes must be very CO wary. It's easier for gas to build up.
* The Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests at least one CO detector with an audible alarm be installed near the sleeping area. For more safety, put one on every level and outside each bedroom.
* Put detectors in rooms with fuel-burning appliances, no closer than 15 feet to the appliance.
As the dryer works its magic, drying your clothes, it is also burning gas fuel, and letting off carbon monoxide. In a normal dryer vent system this is released from your home through the ducts behind the dryer that also take the hot air out of your home. But in a clogged dryer vent, where it’s harder for the air to escape, the levels of carbon monoxide may increase in your home. Too much carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which at its worst can lead to death.
Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
Dizziness Headaches Nausea Feeling faint and tired
Many people who experience these symptoms don’t realize it until it's too late. They attribute their symptoms to some other reason. With carbon monoxide, you may not even smell the fuel leak as it takes over your home.
What if you are feeling the symptoms?
Once you have the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, even if you aren't sure that is what they are, you should get some fresh air and turn off the appliances. Walk outside for a little while and see if you feel better. If you do, you should open up all the windows and doors to open up your house for some time after the appliances are turned off.
It is likely other members of your family are feeling the same types of symptoms as you are. If your symptoms are severe, you should go to the hospital and report that you believe you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The best way to deal with carbon monoxide poisoning is to prevent it in the first place. Like the furnace, which most people have serviced regularly, a clothes dryer should also have periodic professional inspection, cleaning and maintenance. A professional will clean everything out, be sure there is proper air flow and let you know if there are any parts that may soon become problems, so you can catch them before they occur.
This article was written by Jim Buie owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, servicing Raleigh and Wake Counties in North Carolina. is the dryer vent expert, specializing in cleaning, repairing, altering and installing dryer duct systems. Jim also teaches each of his customers what they need to know about dryer vent maintenance and fire prevention.
Contact:
Dayn Benson 5523 East Nine Mile Road Warren, MI 48091 1-866-498-7233 Local Contact: Jim Buie Dryer Vent Wizard of N.E. North Carolina
Both John Myre & Dayne are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Myre has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Children and Home. John Myre is the author of the award-winning book, , and the publisher of the. John Myre's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Dayne has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Franchise and Home Management. Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company, Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.At. Dayne's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.