Thursday, January 28, 2010

Carbon Monoxide Detector - Fighting the Odorless Killer

Normally we are afraid of disasters we can see. We see tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and fires occurring worldwide on television creating this image of wrecks and rubble that make us more wary of the things happening around us. But there are others that we aren't too aware of - and one of the most deadly in my opinion is carbon monoxide poisoning. So while we are prepared against fire by having our fire alarms in ready working mode 24/7 and the equipment ready for use in fire extinguisher cabinets, I hardly believe we are ready against this silent killer. Friends, this is why we all need to install a carbon monoxide detector in our homes and workplaces.
As most of us know, carbon monoxide is a type of gas - which means we can't see it. Furthermore, unlike other particles in our breathing air we can't actually smell it either. But for as low as a few parts per million in the air it is already toxic and potentially lethal. It also can occur from very common, everyday things such as from the fireplace, your car and your gas cooking stove. Annually, a lot of people experience nausea, disorientation shock and even death from carbon monoxide poisoning - and they didn't even know what hit them! So while we are ready with fire extinguisher cabinets when a flame arrives, most of us aren't ready for this odorless killer.
This is where the carbon monoxide detector comes in. It is a very easy to install, compact device that works somewhat like a fire alarm. When carbon monoxide in the air around it reach potentially dangerous levels, it gives off a very loud and distinct siren. This signals the residents of an area to evacuate immediately and of course to contact the local fire authorities. This small, inexpensive device then could potentially save your life and the lives of your household members.
The good thing about this device too is unlike fire extinguishers where in you would look ridiculous travelling with fire extinguisher cabinets around displaying how ridiculously obsessive compulsive you are, the carbon monoxide detector is actually portable. It is "plug and play" on a wall socket. In your travels if you end up in strange places where you are not particularly sure about fire safety, it would be good for the added peace of mind to have one in your travel pack!
The carbon monoxide detector is in my opinion, one of the most essential fire protection equipment one must have. It detects carbon monoxide in the air - which means something is at pre-combusion phase. It is a healthy signal that tells you to evacuate the premises immediately giving you peace of mind and safety for your family members. Make sure that you are prepared for the dangers that kill silently and without warning. With the number of unwary people who suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, it can be said that having this device nowadays is a necessity.
Bennett Glover is a professional fire safety expert and consultant for commercial businesses to help promote fire safety and awareness in the UK area. He regularly writes articles to inform the general public about the safest ways of handling fires and how to prevent them in the first place. His knowledge and expertise has earned him many writing and speaking engagements. He enjoys teaching fire safety to students, business owners, and learning institutions to help save lives.
For more tips and information about carbon monoxide detector, please visit: fire extinguisher cabinets.

Why You Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home

Let's start this discussion with some horror stories about the reality, before we begin to talk about Carbon Monoxide Detectors themselves.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer.
It is a colourless, tasteless, odourless, toxic gas that occurs when fossil fuels burn incompletely. It is most commonly found emitting from the exhaust pipes of motor vehicles, but it also occurs in the house, courtesy of gasoline burners, engines, lanterns, gas hobs and heating systems. The CO that is created when vehicle fuels are burned is dissipated into the air and as a result is of no harm to humans. The story in the house can be very different though. If CO is allowed to build up in confined spaces without ventilation, things could get very dangerous.
The symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic other illnesses such as flu, so you may be unaware that you are being poisoned. Some of these symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and chest pains. If you inhale enough CO, then you could lose consciousness and die. The CO is replacing the oxygen in your body, and without oxygen, your body cannot function.
One visible clue to the presence of carbon monoxide is if a flame is burning with a violet colour. Perhaps your water heater is old or has not been serviced, or you have a problem with other appliances. Either way, the presence of excess CO can spell great danger for you and your family.
So, a carbon monoxide detector is certainly a good idea in every home. They are cheap to buy, and easy to install, so their is really no excuse for not having one. They are usually battery operated and emit loud alarms if high levels of CO are detected in the atmosphere.
If you or any of your family members repeatedly show any of the symptoms of CO poisoning mentioned in the article above, do not think twice.
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Protect your family, and buy a carbon monoxide detector. Don't let saving a few pounds cost you the lives of you and your family. Get a carbon monoxide alarm today.