Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer – Did you know carbon monoxide kills more than 400 people a year here in the States and sickens thousands more? This odorless gas can take your family out… We’re reminding you of all the safety tips to stay safe right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Let’s solve a riddle:
What can’t be seen, smelled, or heard and causes over 400 deaths in the United States each year?
If you guessed carbon monoxide, that would be correct! (No, dad, it’s not a silent fart! You can definitely smell those. BARF.)
That’s right, carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for lots of grief. Even though detection is nearly impossible with the eye, nose, or ears, we still have ways to prevent your family from getting sick!
Carbon Monoxide Causes These Symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea & vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
The symptoms are often described as being “flu-like”, but if you inhale enough carbon monoxide (CO), it can make you pass out or kill you. Take all the safety measures below to prevent poisoning!
Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You can take preventive measures to ensure your family doesn’t get sick! Follow these tips:
- Have a working carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
- Avoid using gas appliances in your home. Generators and grills should be kept outside and away from windows and doors.
- Warm up your car outside in the driveway, not in the garage!
- If the alarm goes off, evacuate everyone out of your home immediately! Go outside, breathe some fresh air, and call 911. Stay outside until emergency responders tell you otherwise.
Need A Cheat Sheet?
Follow the steps in this cheat sheet to keep your home and family prepared in case of emergency. Save it to your phone or print a copy to make an “In Case of Emergency” binder so your family knows what to do!
The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants your family safe from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning! To keep your family’s health your top priority, call them at (330) 343-5555 x. 100 to get your kids’ physicals, vaccinations, reproductive care, and much more! You can also visit them at www.tchdnow.org to see what other services they offer you and your family.
Make sure to follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your family prepared this winter and beyond!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
