Legislator Judy Jacobs, D-Woodbury, is reminding homeowners of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which affects countless individuals all over the country. Jacobs feels it is vital that all residents are kept properly informed on how to protect themselves against what is called the “invisible killer.”
Burning fuel, of which there are many sources in all homes, produces carbon monoxide. Appliances must be operating safely and the installation of any fuel burning appliances must be done properly. It is extremely important that professionals do any sort of installation. Homeowners should have their home heating systems inspected annually by experts. Other steps the homeowner can take against CO poisoning are as follows: • Never leave a car running in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Never run a generator inside the home, garage or a crawl space (any generator used outdoors should be placed a safe distance away from windows or doors).
• Never put foil on the bottom of a gas oven, as this will interfere with combustion.
• Never operate an unvented gas-burning appliance in a closed room or a room in which you sleep.
• Never burn charcoal in homes, tents, vehicles or garages.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Jacobs stressed the importance of vigilance in preventing this “invisible killer” from impacting you and your family’s lives. “I urge everyone to invest, annually, in the proper inspection of their homes and to update the detection units being used to be certain that they operate at peak efficiency.”
