How to Protect Your Family and Home from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Home security is one of your most important duties as a homeowner. However, home security goes far beyond keeping your property secure from intruders and thieves.  

Other deadly threats are not violent in nature but are nonetheless deadly.  

One of the most fatal threats that homeowners face is carbon monoxide leaks.  

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death within 15 minutes of exposure. Because of this, a quick reaction time is imperative.  

To properly protect your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide, there are a few things you must do regularly.  

This post will go over a few simple things you can do to ensure that your family is protected from carbon monoxide poisoning.  

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

It can be easy to fixate on burglaries, break-ins, fires, and other violent dangers when worrying about home security. While these are major risks (and should be addressed with security systems and smoke detectors), carbon monoxide leaks are equally dangerous and are commonly overlooked.  

Sometimes called the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide cannot be detected by humans unless they are using a specified carbon monoxide detector.  

When you breathe in the gas, it kills cells and starves vital organs of oxygen. After just a few minutes of exposure, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning slip into unconsciousness and if they are not immediately re-exposed to oxygen, they will never awaken.  

A Forbes report found that as many as 20,000 to 30,000 Americans are poisoned by carbon monoxide every year, and from that number 500 victims die.  

Fortunately, there are a few simple things homeowners can do to significantly ebb the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Put a Carbon Monoxide Detector on Every Floor of Your Home 

The most effective thing you can do is to install a carbon monoxide detector for every floor of your home. Shiver Security carbon monoxide detectors work 24/7 and do not need to be armed to work. Beyond that, they are monitored 24/7 by Shiver Security’s Central Station. 

Not only will the alarm alert you of any carbon monoxide, but our vigilant professionals will also serve as an extra set of eyes to ensure you and your family are protected.  

Make sure each detector has working batteries and that you check them at least every six months.  

Have Regular Furnace Tune-Ups 

Furnaces are one of the most common producers of carbon monoxide in the home. A faulty or aging furnace can leak carbon monoxide into the air.  

Have a professional come inspect your furnace and verify safe venting and the integrity of the heat exchanger.  

Check Your Fireplace 

Fireplaces are another common carbon monoxide polluter. Have a professional inspect your fireplace for signs of damage or carbon monoxide leaks.  

Your fireplace must be properly ventilated or else dangerous gases, like carbon monoxide, can seep into your home.  

Never let Your Car Idle in Your Garage 

Cars are another producer of carbon monoxide. Make sure that you are parked in a well-ventilated space whenever the key is in the ignition.  

Cars that are allowed to idle in closed spaces, like garages, can quickly produce massive quantities of carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide can leak into your home and cause you and your family serious harm.  

Shiver Security Protects Your Home from Threats 

Carbon monoxide, or “the silent killer” poses a significant danger to you and your family. It only takes 15 minutes of exposure to cause irreversible damage or death.  

The best way to protect your home and your family is by partnering with Shiver Security.  

We offer your home the best all-around protection available. Shiver protects your home from break-ins, fire, vandalism, carbon dioxide, and more. Our trusted professionals at our Central Station are on hand 24/7 to monitor any potential dangers and stop them before they can cause danger to you or your family.  

If you are ready to get serious about home security, then it is time to reach out to Shiver Security.