Learn How to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Your home insurance in Oakland, California can only do so much.  Protecting against carbon monoxide requires additional safety measures.

While having the right home insurance in Oakland, California can protect your home from physical damage, you are still at risk for things like carbon monoxide poisoning.  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning carbon-based fuel sources (gasoline, charcoal, natural gas, etc.).  If inhaled, carbon monoxide will prevent oxygen from spreading through your body and can eventually lead to death.  Donâ't let your loved ones be vulnerable to the potentially deadly effects of carbon monoxide; protect them by taking these safety measures. Install Detectors As previously mentioned, carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, making it virtually undetectable to the human senses.  Thatâ's why itâ's so important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home.  Much like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors sense trace amounts of the toxic gas and set off an alarm to warn the inhabitants of your home.  You should install these detectors on every floor and in every sleeping area of your home.  If you hear your carbon monoxide detector go off, evacuate the home and call the authorities to report the possible gas leak. Check Your Vents Another way to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in your home is to make sure that thereâ's nothing blocking your homeâ's external vents.  Itâ's particularly important to check your vents after a storm.  The wind and driving rain can push debris against your vents, which can then prevent carbon monoxide from filtering out of your home.  So, to mitigate this risk, simply clear your vents every once in a while. Learn the Early Signs Finally, you can keep you loved ones safe by recognizing the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Inhaling carbon monoxide can result in: headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and mild confusion.  Unfortunately, these symptoms can be extremely minor and many people confuse them for flu symptoms.  However, if you think that you or a loved one might be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, take action.  Move to a place with fresh air and seek medical attention. Take these precautions to ensure that your family stays safe.  Want another way to protect your loved ones?  Then make sure you have the right home insurance in Oakland, California.  For help finding the right policies, contact the professionals at Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc. Located in Oakland & Pleasant Hill, California, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs.