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Cooler Weather Can Increase Carbon Monoxide Danger

By Joel Hardy

11/10/2014

(KAIR)--With cooler weather starting to effect the local area, many people may be turning up the heat with a variety of fuel burning appliances. However, many of these devices, including furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up in the home.

According to Atchison Fire Chief Mike McDermed, the gas is harmful because it is very difficult to detect because it is odorless and colorless. Also, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu. So you may not know that you are exposed to the gas since most exposures occur in the winter months when a lot of people are coming down with the flu.

McDermed says that proper use of appliances is one way to decrease the chance of carbon monoxide building up to dangerous levels. If you are using an appliance indoors that can give off carbon monoxide, you must ensure that it is properly ventalated to the outside. He also recommends that you have all appliaces serviced regularly to make sure they are working properly.

McDermed futher advises people to have a working carbon monixide detector in their home. He says you should have one on each level, and make sure that you follow the manufacterer's recomendations as far as placement.

If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide problem , McDermed says you can call 911 and the fire department will come to your home to conduct a throrough check.

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