CHECK YOUR FURNACE FOR CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS
At least seven people, including several children, were injured Tuesday night after a carbon monoixde leak in a Humboldt Park apartment building. Officers are still investigating the incident as it was not immediately known what caused the leak, but a situation like this cautions us all to inspect our furnaces for carbon monoxide leaks. To protect your home and family even more, I suggest getting a carbon monoxide detector.
According to a Center for Disease Control report, carbon monoxide (CO) exposures and poisonings occur more often during the fall and winter, when people are more likely to use gas furnaces, heaters and generators in their homes. From 2001-2003, approximately 480 U.S. residents died each year from non-fire-related CO poisoning. In addition, an estimated 15,200 persons with confirmed or possible non-fire-related CO exposure or poisoning were treated annually in U.S. hospital emergency departments.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the home:
* Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
* Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
* Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
* Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
* Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
* Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
* Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
* Do not idle the car inside garage.
Click here for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning and remember to protect your family by checking for leaks today!
If you are in need of a qualified, experienced attorney, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
