Most people that expire during a fire die from smoke inhalation, the big fire in the warehouse that burned down in Oakland California is an example. The news reports that most of the fatalities were upstairs and did not know a fire broke out below them, they may have never realized it. They were overcome by smoke, would a smoke detector have alerted them? I suspect it would have because smoke rises. Would a Carbon Monoxide detector have alerted them? Most likely not due to CO2 being heavier than air, it would not have risen to the top floors. However there are uses for both, neither are an all encompassing device.
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The proper response to CO2 is correct the problem then
ventilate. |
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created by the incomplete burning of fuels. Gasoline, diesel, wood, kerosene and natural gas are some fuels. How a person is affected depends a great deal on their health, asthma, heart disease patients and people with respiratory illnesses have a higher risk. CO2 can be lethal in small amounts over a long period of time, or a large amount in a very short time. Either way it is very important to have a system that will send us an alarm when it is present. It is advised and prudent to install CO2 detecting instruments in your place of residence. Information on CO2
click here.
To install a carbon monoxide detector be sure to follow all of the manufacturers installation instructions, yes read the instructions. When you choose your device be certain it has the label on it of a known reliable testing lab. Check your building codes and standards to be sure you are in compliance with local laws. Make sure to know what action to take if the alarm sounds after it is installed, determine this prior to installation, write the contact number in your emergency plan. Check the detector once a month, the manufacturers manual will have a section on how to perform the test. Call the manufacturer if you have a question on how to proceed, some alarms sound when the battery dies. Change the battery, if it sounds after changing it call the fire department and leave the house. Make sure all occupants are evacuated, do not delay.
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Proper venting is seen here for some not all
combustion devices. |
Never use a device that burns fuel of any type indoors unless it is properly vented out side. Low lying areas in the structure are most susceptible to gathering CO2 fumes however boxed in areas contain them as well. Garages, basements, inside some enclosed vehicles and cellars are just a few places the gas may accumulate.
The symptoms of a person suffering from CO2 poisoning are nausea, shortness of breath, light headedness or dizziness, headaches and disorientation. Death can be rapid often resulting within an hour of exposure, at a level of 6400 ppm there is a danger of death within 10-15 minutes of exposure. Read
here what the Mayo clinic has to say on the symptoms of CO2 poisoning.
Where should a CO2 monitor be installed? Place them in a central location in the structure. Just outside bedrooms, several in the basement, in the garage, attic and enclosed rooms or other unvented areas.
I hope there is something in this blog you learned by reading it, comment on it or tell me a story of an experience you've had with Carbon Monoxide.
Thanks for reading
jimandkate
EmergencyKitsPlus.com Emergency Survival Supplies
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