Carbon Monoxide (CO) is responsible for more than 50,000 emergency department visits causing more than 400 deaths every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly half of all accidental carbon monoxide deaths occur in January, February, and March.
CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced when gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, and other fuels are not completely burned during use. Car exhaust is the most common, but it can also be released from poorly working or unventilated furnaces, or gasoline-powered tools and equipment such as generators or chain saws. When these appliances are used in poorly ventilated areas, dangerous amounts of CO can build up in the blood, causing severe headaches, nausea, fatigue, and potentially asphyxiation.
CO Prevention
Carbon Monoxide is often called the “silent and invisible killer” because it doesn’t have smell, color or taste. This makes it incredibly dangerous. In addition, even though everyone is susceptible to CO poisoning, pregnant mothers, unborn babies, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems are particularly at risk.
One of the best safety precautions you can take, whether for your home or business, is to have a monitored carbon monoxide detector installed by a professional alarm monitoring company, like Security Equipment Inc. SEi’s CO detector uses sensing technology that provides highly accurate and early detection of this deadly gas.
We offer both commercial carbon monoxide detectors and a household carbon monoxide detector depending on your needs. SEi is equipped to monitor CO levels regardless of if it is in your home or a large commercial facility.
Our 24/7 alarm monitoring center sets notifications on your carbon monoxide detector to provide you peace of mind. If carbon monoxide is detected, a signal will be sent to our 24-hour alarm monitoring station. We can call 911 before you may be even able to notice its effects.
Other ways to prevent CO leaks include:
- Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, wood or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Inspect homes after heavy snowfall and make sure snow is removed from around exhaust stacks, vents, and fresh-air intakes.
- Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window. Generators should be located at least 20 feet from an occupied structure.
- Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
Install a Monitored Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home or Business Today
A monitored carbon monoxide detector is one of the most important devices you can use to protect yourself, your family, and employees from accidental CO poisoning. Having a monitored CO detector gives you the comfort of knowing your safe—even if you are not there to hear the alarm go off.
