Put Fresh Batteries in Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Smoke Detectors
As we prepare to adjust our clocks this weekend for Daylight Savings it is important to remember to put fresh batteries in your family’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors… and if you don’t have a CO detector, get one!
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are equally important and it is also crucial to make sure that they work in the event of an emergency.
That is why most safety experts recommend changing the batteries in these devices at least twice a year, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has promoted the bi-annual Daylight Savings Time adjustments as a good time to do so.
The importance of a functioning carbon monoxide alarm is also highlighted by the approaching drop in temperatures, which always seems to increase problems with carbon monoxide poisoning throughout the U.S., as heaters and other appliances are increasingly used that may emit the lethal gas.
Carbon monoxide is a significantly toxic gas that has no irritating factors that can allow someone to detect its presence. Because people often fail to promptly recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, exposure is a leading cause of fatal poisonings in the United States.
According to CDC estimates, there are more than 500 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths each year in the United States, and more than 15,000 people require emergency room treatment following exposure to the gas annually.
In many cases individuals who survive exposure are left with serious and life-long injuries due to brain damage from carbon monoxide.
Often, the injuries or deaths could have been prevented by the use of carbon monoxide detectors and proper maintenance of heating systems and generators.
Carbon Monoxide Lawyers
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are investigating potential carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuits when exposure to the gas may have been caused by the negligence of another person or corporation.
The CPSC indicates that an average of 162 deaths from carbon monoxide are caused each year by consumer products under the jurisdiction of the federal regulatory agency.
In addition to recommendations that all home owners change their smoke and CO detector batteries every time they reset their clocks for Daylights Savings, the following tips for avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning as the winter months approach should be followed:
- Have all heating and water systems, as well as other gas and oil burning appliances inspected every year.
- If your CO detector or smoke alarm goes off, immediately leave your home and contact 911.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide exposure and feel dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.
- Do not use a generator, charcoal grill or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device in your home, garage or near a window.
- Do not run a car or truck inside an attached garage, even if you leave the door open.
- Do not heat your house with a gas oven.
- Do not use a stove or fireplace that is not properly vented.
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