How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

National Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness

The CDC has named January as the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning. On average, at least two people die each day from carbon monoxide poisoning during the month of January. Over 400 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year. To honor the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, January is known as National Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Therefore, it is often called the “silent killer.” Burning gas, wood, propane, charcoal, and other fuel produces the deadly gas. Carbon Monoxide is dangerous when allowed to build up in a poorly ventilated room. Cold weather increases the use of gas-powered furnaces as well as the use of risky heating and sources of energy such as portable generators.

Be aware of the following symptoms of CO poisoning:
Dull Headache
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It’s time to start thinking about protecting yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning! Every year, it is imperative to have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil or charcoal-burning appliance inspected and serviced by a qualified technician. You should always properly ventilate your chimney. We know it’s getting chilly but remember never to heat a house with a gas oven! Even if the door is open, don’t let a vehicle idle in the garage. Running a portable generator in the house can also be a fatal mistake.

The only safe way to detect carbon monoxide in your home is with a CO detector. You should check or replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector twice a year. Additionally, the CO detector should be replaced entirely every five years. Properly equip your home with CO alarm on every level and in sleeping areas. Consider purchasing a detector with a digital display. A digital display allows you to see if CO is present and respond before it becomes a dangerous situation.

If a CO detector sounds, leave your home immediately and get everyone into fresh air. Always call 911!

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Melinda Martin

Account Executive

Melinda began her insurance career in 1985 with Alexander & Alexander where she received her Property & Casualty and Life & Health license. Since then she has worked at various agencies in the New Orleans area and in California as a senior account manager for Employee Benefit Plans.  While in California, she was also the Membership Director for the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Melinda joined the AWS team in July of 2015.

Michael A. Seeling

Vice President

Graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a B.A. in Insurance Risk Management and is a graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School in New Orleans. He joined AWS in October of 2008 and has been awarded the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Certification (PPACA). Additionally, he is working towards his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), and Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) designations. He is also a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors (NAIFA), and is an active member of the Fore!Kids foundation.

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