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AS TEMPERATURES DROP, TIPS ON PREVENTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

 ADVISORY                                                      

 AS TEMPERATURES DROP, TIPS ON PREVENTING
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Rural/Metro, Rochester, NY Promotes Safe Home Heating Practices

Rochester, NY – Rural/Metro Medical Services is promoting safe heating practices that can help families protect against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risks this winter.  With many City of Rochester residents feeling the strain of the current economy, safety experts are concerned families may not invest in good preventive maintenance of home appliances or may turn to alternative sources of heat in effort to keep their home heating costs low.  Both practices increase the risk of deadly CO poisoning.

CO is an invisible and odorless gas produced by fuel-burning equipment, like furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces.  Carbon monoxide from cars and other vehicles can also enter the living spaces of homes through an attached garage, even if the door is open.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates an average of 21,000 CO exposures occur each year, resulting in the death of nearly 450 people.  In a recent study completed by Safe Kids Worldwide Organization, in 2009, poison control centers had 1,674 exposure cases of CO exposure among children ages 5 and under and 1,069 exposure cases among children ages 6 to12.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by having fuel-burning appliances inspected and cleaned by professionals, and avoid using alternative heating sources without proper ventilation" said LaShay Harris, Public Information Officer.

In addition to good preventive maintenance and general safe heating practices, it's essential that every home with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage have at least one carbon monoxide alarm.

 Signs and Symptoms:

• The most common symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
• In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness or even die.
• CO poisoning can often be mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or food poisoning. 
• If there is a CO leak, more than one person in the house will often suffer symptoms at the same time.

 If your CO alarm goes off, follow these simple steps:

• Get everyone into fresh air immediately and call for help.
• If you're experiencing symptoms, call 911 for medical attention.
• If no one is experiencing symptoms, call a qualified professional to investigate possible CO buildup.

 About Rural/Metro

In its 23rd year as the City of Rochester’s exclusive emergency ambulance service provider, Rural/Metro Corporation is a leading provider of emergency and non‑emergency medical transportation services, fire protection and other safety-related services to municipal, residential, commercial and industrial customers in approximately 400 communities throughout the United States.

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