Day Light Savings time ended on October 29th, and many experts say that’s a good time to check out household safety implement such as your smoke detectors. It makes sense, because it’s something we don’t really use, and it’s easy to forget to check the batteries. Even if your detectors are hardwired, you need battery back up, in case of a power outage.
If you didn’t get a chance to check or change your batteries yet, now is as good a time as any. Write it down or send yourself a reminder if you need to, because it’s important. You should also have your fire extinguishers checked and maintained regularly. If you don’t have at least one standard fire extinguisher in your home, please purchase one right away. The holidays can be especially risky times for fires, and a good extinguisher can make the difference between minor and major accidents.
Since the temperatures are dropping and heating our homes can be a source of carbon monoxide, it’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors. The dangers are not only from furnaces, but also from some types of space heaters, as well as generators, and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide is released when carbon is not entirely oxidized upon combustion.
You can learn more by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency website.
Aside from the technical issues, there are some important things to keep in mind. Just because you don’t smell gas doesn’t mean carbon monoxide is not a problem. It has no color, taste, or odor, so detection can only be done through the use of proper equipment.
Signs to watch for:
Sometimes, families can become sick even with low levels of carbon monoxide. The longer and greater the exposure, the more dangerous it can become up to and including being fatal.
The symptoms often mimic the flu, presenting with discomforts such as waking up tired or other bouts of fatigue, feeling disoriented or confused, becoming dizzy, feeling nauseous, and having headaches. Some people complain of chronic or severe headaches, so if you are concerned about any such symptoms, please see your doctor right away and get your home checked out.
*I wish you all safe and happy holidays.
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