Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

With the approaching winter season it is important to realize that Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in America.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion, present whenever fuel is burned.  It is attracted to hemoglobin in the bloodstream and causes symptoms similar to the flu such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion, irritability, and even death.

 Potential sources of carbon monoxide in the home include cracked heat exchanger in the furnace, corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipes, operating a barbeque grill in an enclosed area indoors such as a garage, improperly installed kitchen range or cooktop vent, refrigerator, clothes dryer, gas or wood burning fireplace, portable space heater, clogged chimney, leaking chimney pipe or flue, and blocked chimney openings.  Fumes from automobiles also contain carbon monoxide and can enter a home through walls or doorways if a car is left running in an attached garage even if the door is left open.

You can protect your family from CO poisoning by installing a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm within 15 feet from every sleeping area.  A detector on every level is an added safety measure. Be sure to have appliances, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces checked regularly by an experienced professional to make sure they are operating properly.  Remember, under NO circumstance should barbeque grills be operated indoors.

            If you have any question as to the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning in your residence, call the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District at 630-353-3030 and we will be glad to perform an air quality test in your home. 

            For more information on this or any other fire prevention issue or to set up an inspection, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-353-3030