Disaster Restoration | Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Winter Killer
According to the Center for Disease Control, carbon monoxide poisoning reaches its peak in December and January. As a gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste, carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is responsible for over 400 deaths and sends well over 15,000 Americans to the Emergency Room every single year. Here are ways to protect your home, and more importantly your family, from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Buy the Detectors
Purchasing carbon monoxide detectors is not a fun job for any homeowner but it can single-handedly save the lives of you and your family. Investing in a proven detector is a wise choice and many manufacturers offer combination smoke and carbon monoxide options. Make sure to purchase one for every level of your home, including basements and garages, to keep your family safe this winter. Skip the need for disaster restoration services if carbon monoxide is detected inside your home by make sure to change the batteries on a regular basis to keep them functioning properly.
Safely Warm Up the Car
Colder winter weather means that cars need to be warmed up for them to work properly and for passengers to stay comfortable in the frigid temperatures. Make sure to warm up your car in a well-ventilated area. Moving your car out of the garage and into the driveway to warm it up is a great way to keep the possibility of carbon monoxide from hanging around inside the garage and seeping back into your vehicle.
Keep Outdoor Heat Sources Outside
It is common to find homeowners who bring in generators or other gas heaters from the garage in order to keep up with dropping temperatures. Doing so greatly increases the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep from needing disaster restoration services by refraining from heating your home in non-approved ways. Simply put, if it is a gas appliance that is rated for outdoor use only, use it only outdoors.
ServiceMaster of Charleston offers smoke and odor disaster restoration services. If your home has experienced the presence of carbon monoxide this winter call for more information on how to clear your home’s environment and keep your family safe. Contact ServiceMaster of Charleston today!
