Warning signs for carbon monoxide poisoning
The winter season is the time of year when the Elgin Fire Department receives a high number of carbon monoxide emergency requests.
Most of the calls received for elevated levels of carbon monoxide are the result of some easily resolved issues.
The first line of prevention to protect your home is having your furnace checked every fall to insure proper operation. If you did not get the furnace checked in the fall, it's not too late. Even new furnaces need to be cleaned and checked to help ensure long and efficient operation.
A common problem that causes CO levels to become elevated result from venting problems related to furnaces or hot water heaters. This becomes an increased concern due to the snow accumulating and preventing the furnace from venting properly.
High-efficiency furnaces and hot water heaters will vent out the sidewall of the house through white PVC piping. Throughout the winter, homeowners with high efficiency furnaces or hot water heaters will need to check the area outside the house where the pipe vents to make sure that snow has not accumulated to a height that may prevent it from venting properly. If this happens, deadly carbon monoxide may back up into the house.
Of course, the most important thing to remember about carbon monoxide safety precautions is early warning that there is a problem developing. Illinois State law requires every home to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include: dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated. The fumes may be fatal before anyone realizes there's a problem.
If you are having a problem with your gas furnace or hot water heater along with CO detector activation, and/or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 for immediate access to emergency medical services and for a fire department company to check for elevated carbon monoxide levels in your home.