Even though we are hopeful that winter is almost behind us, there will still be plenty of chilly nights requiring the use of our furnaces, room heaters, and fireplaces.
Carbon monoxide, or CO, known as the “Invisible Killer”, is odorless and invisible. Burning fuel such as wood, gas, kerosene, charcoal, and oil will naturally produce carbon monoxide. When heating appliances are kept well-ventilated and maintained, the level of carbon monoxide produced will not be dangerous. However, if they are not operating correctly, they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can kill an entire family while they sleep and even while they are awake.
The following appliances produce some level of CO:
- Charcoal burners
- Cooking/kitchen ranges
- Engines (ex. Generators or Cars running idling a garage to warm up)
- Fireplaces
- Furnaces
- Portable generators
- Room heaters
- Water heaters
- Wood burning stoves
According to the Center for Disease Control, “CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.”
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include confusion, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, and nausea. Carbon monoxide alarms are more common in the early evening hours, peaking around 8:00 p.m.
In addition to annual inspections and carefully maintaining your appliances, carbon monoxide detectors are highly recommended for both home and office safety. Tasco Security can install CO detection devices and monitor your home and office, notifying you of a poisonous buildup before it becomes a threat, whether you’re on the premises or not.
Tasco Security custom designs every security system to fit the individual customers’ concerns and needs, including monitoring for fire, burglary, low temperature, generator failure, boiler failure, CO detection, and more.
Contact Tasco today at 800-546-5552 to schedule a free security assessment for your home or business.
Tasco Security has been providing peace of mind security solutions to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont for over 49 years
