Does Your Home Have a WORKING Carbon Monoxide Detector?
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN BE FATAL
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy many people in the Newburgh area have been using all sorts of “creative ways” to stay warm. Heavy blankets and lots of snuggling is one way, but there has been an increasing amount of people not listening to all the warnings. The improper use of generators has caused many problems along with using a charcoal grill for heat inside a home. Many people don’t understand that is not just the actual fire that is worrisome, but the actual fumes from the flames.
The outcome has been a number of emergencies related to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
There have been reports of Emergency Services called to over 20 locations in the area due to alarms and some ER visits. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be fatal. All homes should have a working alarm inside as we use oil and propane to heat our water and our homes.
For additional information on the State of New York’s Recommended use of CO Detectors read this. Remember thatCarbon monoxide, a gas, is the result of burning natural gas, oil, charcoal, gas, wood and other materials. It is not the smoke you see. It is a gas that you cannot smell or see. It can kill you while you sleeping without any warning.
If you are using a generator as your power is still not back on from Hurricane Sandy, make sure that you are following all the instructions given. The hookup should be done by a licensed electrician. Provide adequate ventilation for the exhaust. 
A generator is never to be used indoors or even inside the garage. Most Important is that you have a working Carbon Monoxide Detector in your home. It should be battery powered so that in the event you lose electricity and use a generator it will still be working. Too many ER visits and although I did not read that there were any deaths in my area, the lack of oxygen that a person experiences can leave them damaged for life.
Take the time now and spend the few dollars to buy the detector and plug it in. Most have a backup battery and a quick test of that very loud and nasty noise will assure you that you are safe in your home.
Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY
This post was originally published at "Hurricane Sandy and the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Like what you see? Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to keep updated with the latest Hudson Valley Real Estate, Community News and Homes on the market.
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