A little common sense helps protect your family from being poisoned by household chemicals. But carbon monoxide--one of the most dangerous poisons and the most common cause of poisoning in the United States--can't be seen, tasted or smelled. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, propane, wood or coal. Common household appliances, including gas water heaters, ovens and furnaces, may produce carbon monoxide. It can affect anyone, but it is especially dangerous for small children, senior citizens, and people with lung problems. The symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning--headaches, dizziness and nausea--are similar to those caused by flu and are often misdiagnosed. To reduce the risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning, install a carbon-monoxide detector around sleeping areas, halls and other living areas. Keep detectors at least 15' away from any appliances that use natural gas or other combustible materials. Carbon-monoxide detectors are installed in the same way as smoke detectors. To install one, mark the wall for placement. Then drill holes and insert wall anchors. Drive screws into the wall anchors, but leave part of the screw heads away from the wall (figure A). Slide the mounting plate over the screw heads (figure B), and tighten the screws. Install the detector by snapping it in place on the mounting plate. If the detector alarm goes off, check with all family members to make sure everyone is okay. Then open the windows to ventilate the house, and call a service technician to examine your appliances. If any family members are not feeling well, call 911 immediately.
RESOURCES :
Hanson, Debbie
First Alert carbon-monoxide detector
BRK Electronics (First Alert Inc.)
Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: 630-851-7330
Fax: 630-851-7452
Website: www.firstalert.com
| 
)
)
