~ ALERT ~

~ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ~

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has prepared general advice to consumers about carbon monoxide. As a simple introduction, the information is a good start to any campaign to inform and educate your customers and prospects on the subject. You can contact the CPSC at 1-800-638-2772 or follow this link to their Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/cospot.html

Important Information About Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide can be deadly. Every year, hundreds die and thousands are hospitalized from breathing CO. The following information can help keep you and your family safe.

What is CO?
CO is a COLORless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by burning fuel. Any vehicle in an attached garage, any fuel-burning appliance in your home, and any fuel-burning camping appliance is a potential source.

What causes high levels of CO?
Fuel-burning appliances that are not installed, maintained, or operated properly can produce fatal CO concentrations in your home. In addition, using charcoal indoors or running a car in an attached garage can cause fatal CO poisoning.

What are symptoms of CO poisoning?
The initial symptoms of CO are similar to the flu, but without the fever. They include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

What should you do if you suspect CO poisoning?
If you are feeling ill, leave the home immediately and get fresh air. You could lose consciousness and die from CO poisoning if you stay inside. Contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.*

(* Note to dealers: the CPSC recommends that homeowners open windows and doors for more ventilation and turn off any combustion appliances. However, this may take too much time and result in the family being overcome by carbon monoxide.)

What can you do to prevent CO poisoning?
1. Be sure the combustion appliances in your home are properly installed, operated and maintained.
2. Have your heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced every year by a trained service technician.
3. Install a CO alarm near every separate sleeping area in your home. The alarm should meet the current safety requirements of such organizations as Underwriters laboratories Inc. (Ul) or International Approval Services (IAS).
4. Have your CO alarm(s) installed by a qualified installer working for a repuTABLE central alarm company of your choice. All CO alarms should be wired to a separate alarm system zone, so that they may be properly distinguished from smoke/fire alarms by your alarm company and any responding agency such as your local fire department. Also, CO detectors need to be tested at installation, tested periodically for sensitivity, and replaced after a specified period of time.
5. If your CO alarm ever sounds, operate the reset button, and respond to directions from your local emergency service dispatcher (fire department or 911), immediately moving to fresh air.