The Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins, Colorado sent out a press release in order to warn the public about carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, which is why it's so important to raise awareness and know how to detect carbon monoxide before it's too late.
The reason the Poudre Fire Authority decided to take action and alert the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide is because earlier this year there was a serious carbon monoxide report that put an adult and two adolescents in the hospital. There were also four dogs that needed veterinary care after the incident.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas, which is why it's known as the silent killer. It's produced any time that fuel is burned in cars, trucks, stoves, grills, fireplaces, furnaces, etc. If enough carbon monoxide builds up indoors, then it becomes poisonous to any person or animal that breathes it in.
Why Is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives vital organs, such as the heart and brain, of oxygen.
If you are exposed to low concentrations of carbon monoxide, you might experience flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, nausea, or fatigue. If you're exposed to a higher concentration then it can lead to confusion, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, or passing out. If you experience carbon monoxide poisoning, it can result in death, permanent brain damage, or a coma.
The effects of carbon monoxide can become deadly within just a few minutes. Even if you're only exposed to a small amount, it can lead to organ damage, disease, or a slow death. Carbon monoxide will affect children, infants, and pets more than adults, putting them at a greater risk for death or poisoning.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The best way to protect yourself from a carbon monoxide threat is to invest in a carbon monoxide alarm. The alarm will go off when it detects carbon monoxide in the room. These detectors are designed to go off before the carbon monoxide levels reach a dangerous point.
Your carbon monoxide alarm should be put in a place that is at risk to carbon monoxide build-up. This includes rooms that contain gas appliances, garages, or fireplaces. If you don't have a carbon monoxide device, then contact a local fire protection company to install and maintain one.
Contact Frontier Fire Today
Frontier Fire provides the best fire protection in Fort Collins. We offer installations, maintenance, and inspections for carbon monoxide alarms. It's important to have your carbon monoxide alarm checked on a regular basis to ensure its functioning in optimal condition.
If your building is in need of protection against carbon monoxide, then don't hesitate to give Frontier Fire a call today at 970-945-8735.
