Safe Kids Kansas recommends home CO detectors

Topeka, Kan. - infoZine - As colder weather approaches, Safe Kids Kansas reminds parents and caregivers that space heaters can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up in the home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, invisible gas that can build up near fuel-burning appliances such as ovens, generators and supplemental heaters.

"We all know it's essential to have working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, but what about carbon monoxide detectors?" says Jan Stegelman, Safe Kids Kansas coordinator. "Carbon monoxide can kill, and it can make a child seriously ill in small doses that might not noticeably affect an adult."

Each year, in the United States, nearly 4,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for CO exposure, and about 28 die - not counting fire-related CO fatalities. "Half of all CO poisoning deaths could be prevented by CO detectors," says Stegelman. "CO detectors are available at hardware stores for about $20, a small price to pay to help detect odorless, poisonous gases in the home."

Safe Kids Kansas also recommends these precautions against CO poisoning:

• Prevent CO build up in the first place - make sure heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.
• Don't run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first.
• Install a CO detector outside every sleeping area and on every floor of the home. Detectors should be installed at least 15 feet from fuel-burning appliances. Check the batteries monthly (when you check your smoke alarm batteries).
• Remember that cigarette smoke is another source of carbon monoxide.

If someone who has been in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance begins to feel nauseous, drowsy or confused, or complains of a headache, move the victim to fresh air and call 911. If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a CO alarm goes off, get everyone outside immediately and call the fire department from a prearranged meeting place.