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Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking victims caught off guard or in their sleep.
More than 400 people in the U.S. die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 others are hospitalized.
This "invisible killer" is produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators, or furnaces. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned. Ventilation does not guarantee safety.
How Can I Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Anyone can be at risk. The CDC says infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more prone to illness or death, but carbon monoxide doesn't discriminate.
Winter can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages. So as the weather turns colder, it is important to take extra precautions.
The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near each separate sleeping area in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall and replace the detector every five years.
The CDC offers these additional tips:
Have your furnace, water heater, and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors
Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished
Never use a gas oven for heating your home
Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open
Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The U.S. Fire Administration has put together materials on the dangers of carbon monoxide, including a list of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
Symptom severity varies depending on the level of carbon monoxide and the duration of exposure. Mild symptoms sometimes are mistaken for flu.
Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by:
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
High-level carbon monoxide poisoning results in:
Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Death
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside and get fresh air immediately. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home.
When the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that you should never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm, and do not try to find the source of the gas. Instead, follow these steps:
Immediately move outside to fresh air
Call emergency services, fire department or 9-1-1
Do a headcount to check to account for every one
Do not reenter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission to do so
8 Things to Consider When Finding an Apartment
Looking for an apartment can be tough. Location, amenities, price, there are so many things to factor in while looking it can really be stressful. Having a game plan, checklists, and trustworthy research tools can be paramount to the process of finding the right place for you.
If you are looking for a few ideas of what to look for when looking. Here are 8 of my go-to questions for every apartment hunt:
Find out how to pay rent, and how late fees are calculated.
Most properties nowadays have an electronic payment option and will charge a small fee for doing so. In that case, it may make sense to write a handwritten check to your landlord.
Will the maintenance workers enter your apartment without notice?
Because you don't own the apartment, some landlords have very loose rules on whether their employees have to tell you when they're stopping by. Make sure your landlord will give you a heads-up before someone enters your apartment.
What is their guest policy?
Having a friend from out-of-town stay over for a few nights is fine, but some landlords have policies against anyone staying longer than two weeks.
Find out if you can sublet the apartment, or what the penalty is for breaking your lease.
Life's full of surprises, and you may run into a situation where you need to move ASAP. Some apartments are strictly against subletting, and it could be a serious breach of your contract. If you leave on bad terms, this could mean you just lost a future rental reference.
Can you make changes to the apartment?
Adding some fresh paint and putting your own personal touch on the apartment could end up costing you at some complexes.
What utilities are included in the rent?
This could make or break your decision on your 'dream' apartment. Renters are usually left to pay electric, gas, internet, and cable — but it's different at every complex.
Does the landlord require you to obtain renters insurance?
Your landlord should tell you before you sign the lease whether they require you to have this. Renters insurance is important to have even if the landlord doesn't require it.
What is the parking situation?
This is another big one. Find out if it's included in your rent or not. If parking isn't provided, what are the alternatives?
Finally, don't be overwhelmed. Enjoy the apartment hunting adventure and do your research before signing. You can check out more questions to ask during the leasing process here. Best of luck finding your new home from Arnold Insurance Agency.