Monday Market Update: Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

Happy Monday & Happy November! This new month is a critical time for Carbon Monoxide Awareness as we enter a season of heater use and increased risk. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is unfortunately very real, as CO poisoning results in 400 deaths, 100,000 emergency room visits and 14,000 hospitalizations each year. We encourage you to learn about the risks, prevention strategies and signs – and have compiled some helpful resources below! 

WHERE IS CO FOUND:  CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Courtesy of CDC. 

ARE CERTAIN POPULATIONS AT HIGHER RISK: Yes, while CO can impact every person, certain groups are physiologically or demographically at higher risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. The elderly, children, the hearing impaired, pregnant women, the immunocompromised and pets are high risk groups. Courtesy of NCOAA. 

KEY PREVENTION STRATEGIES FROM  NCOAA: 

• Have your appliances checked during inspection and then again every year. 

• Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is placed near each fuel-burning appliance. 

• Look for signs of a carbon monoxide leak (soot or black residue on appliances or above a fireplace). 

• Replace carbon monoxide alarms approximately every 5-7 years (or per manufacturer recommendations). 

• Use generators at least 20 feet away from any buildings.

• Turn your car off in the garage, never leave the engine running. 

• Don’t rely exclusively on household carbon monoxide alarms, as they may not detect slow, lingering leaks under 30 ppm. 

• Do not use outdoor appliances inside or near open windows (grill, gas lantern, etc.). 

• Carry a carbon monoxide detector that goes to 0 ppm if you’re part of a vulnerable population. 

SYMPTOMS:  The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” Those who are sleeping or under the influence can die from CO poisoning before they become aware of symptoms. Courtesy of Mayo Clinic.

FREE Webinar: The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association is offering a free webinar on November 18th at 12pm EST (9am PST) to discover how to stay safe while traveling and understand the growing risks in hotels and vacation rentals. Register HERE. 

Please share this important information with those you know & love. We must look out for one another, always.

Stay safe, warm & neighborly! 

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
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www.bobbidecker.com
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