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Holiday Safety Tip

By
Home Inspector with Pillar To Post

Holiday Safety Tip

Add safety checks to your holiday to-do list.

Consider Carbon Monoxide (CO) 
Incomplete combustion of natural gas produces carbon monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, poisonous and potentially fatal gas. If you or other members of your household feel out of breath, dizzy, nauseous, and have headaches, you could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning – get fresh air immediately, then call NW Natural.

How to Prevent CO Poisoning

  • Make sure that all vents and chimneys are properly installed and inspected regularly for improper connections, visible rust or stains.
  • Keep chimneys and vents free of debris, such as leaves, creosote, and animal nests.
  • Make sure heating equipment and appliances are installed correctly and maintained regularly.
  • Look out for problems that could signal improper appliance operation, such as:
    • Burning or unfamiliar odors
    • Furnace constantly running or unable to heat the house
    • Moisture inside of windows
    • Soot

The best way to prevent CO poisoning is to have an annual safety inspection of your gas appliances

Posted by

Chris Livingston

Owner/Oregon Certifed Home Inspector

Pillar To Post

www.PillarToPost-PortlandWestSide.com

Click here for a List of potential Specialty Contractors

P.S. Any client of ours has open access to the Sears Commercial Center for "contractor" prices on everything from TV's to washers etc and on all brands (Bosch, LG, Kitchen Aid - not just Kenmore). Discounts of 5% to 50% from regular store prices are offered exclusively through their commercial group. This is a fantastic opportunity for our clients who may need something for the new home. Call (503) 624-3481 and ask for James Shufelt for details. Be sure to mention the Pillar To Post customer number CU071473

Show All Comments Sort:
Vince Chinell
VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO
CPI

Chris, Great information anytime.  But with the holidays and more guests at a residence it is especially important for readers to review your post.

Dec 11, 2011 07:04 AM
Donald Reich
Madison Specs - New Rochelle, NY
Cost Segregation Specialist

Chris -- great safety tips. Thank you for sharing them with the rest of us Active Rainers!

Dec 11, 2011 07:11 AM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

Guess there are a LOT of Rainmakers Active Rain readers that can use this advice, but if you live here, you don't need a Chimney or a heater on Oahu.  Where we live in Kaneohe, don't even need an A/C.  Mele Kalikimaka from the Land of Aloha.

Dec 11, 2011 08:13 AM
Chris Livingston
Pillar To Post - Portland, OR

Sure Bruce, just rub it in :)

Dec 12, 2011 02:29 AM