Carbon Monoxide, the Silent but Deadly Killer

Sitting by the fireside with eggnog or mugs of hot chocolate, snuggling on the couch under a pile of blankets watching movies with the glow of lights, entertaining a packed house and enjoying the spirit of the holidays. All of these scenarios paint the perfect sense of winter, and there’s no denying winter is a great time of year to get cozy and enjoy the beauty of the season. New York winters can be especially brutal, long, and cold, but trying to stay warm could come with risks if you are unaware of the dangerous carbon monoxide (CO)presents.

Each year, CO poisoning is responsible for more than 50,000 Emergency Department visits resulting in more than 430 deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Where CO is found:

• Furnaces
• Kerosene heaters
• Vehicles being “warming up” in enclosed spaces
• Stoves
• Lanterns
• Gas ranges
• Portable generators
• Burning charcoal and wood in enclosed spaces

The reason why CO is often undetected until it’s too late is because it is a colorless, odorless gas that can fill your house if you’re not careful or lack  As the cold begins to settle in New York, it’s more important than ever to install a carbon monoxide detector to keep your family safe throughout the winter.

Recognizing CO Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

Prevention
CO poisoning is scary but can be prevented with these steps.

• Ensure you are changing your batteries in your CO detector every six months.
• Have your heating systems, such as your water heater, gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by an expert technician.
• Keep vents and flues free of debris which can block ventilation lines.
• Never start your vehicle in an enclosed space.
• Never use a charcoal grill or portable stove, indoors to cook.
• During a power outage, never run a generator, pressure washer, or any type of gasoline-powered engine inside your basement, garage, or enclosed structure.
• If you suspect CO poisoning, get outdoors immediately and call 911.

For the last 60 years, the Foy Agency Insurance has been providing peace of mind to many Northern New York homeowners & automobile owners through our Auto & Homeowner Combined Insurance Packages. We won’t stop there, either. We will look at your:

• Landlord Risks
• Motorcycles
• Recreational Vehicles
• Farms
• Any other asset that is important to you and your family. Trust your friends and experts at the Foy Agency. Built on integrity since 1950, we would be honored to assist you to get the best possible protection. Contact our corporate office at 315-493-2391 or visit us in person at 3997 Deer River Road.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/features/copoisoning/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/symptoms-causes/syc-20370642