As we begin to utilize items to keep us warm this winter, please check the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector to make sure it is working properly. It is always advised to have a battery-powered CO alarm, and this can help to lower the chance of casualties or accidents. Each year 430 people die in the U.S. as a result of accidental CO poisoning, and the truth is that many of these accidents could have been prevented.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, poisonous and tasteless gas, which is why it is so harmful. CO is typically found in furnaces, vehicles, stoves, gas rangers, generators and from burning wood or charcoal. The CO from these items can build up in rooms or spaces without enough ventilation, leading to those in these areas at risk for poisoning. Aside from the risks or harms of CO, the positive side is that this is preventable. There are both DO’s and DON’T’s when it comes to preventing CO exposure, and I will give you some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DO’s:

• Install a battery-powered CO detector in your home. If you already have CO detectors, be sure to check that the battery is still working, and if not be sure to change them.
• Have a qualified technician check you water heater, heating system, and any gas, coal, or oil burning appliances. This should be done every year to ensure that they are functioning correctly and are not at risk for malfunctioning.
• If your CO detector makes any sort of noise, immediately exit your home and call 911. If there was a potential exposure make sure that you and others are examined by medical professionals, especially if you are experiencing light-headedness, dizziness, or nausea.

DON’T’s:

• Use or burn anything on a stove or fireplace that doesn’t have proper ventilation, as this can cause a build-up of CO.
• Heat your house with a gas oven, as this can cause a high production of CO.
• Run cars or trucks inside a garage that is attached to your living spaces, even if you have doors or windows open.
• Use a camp stove, generator or charcoal grill in or outside of your home less than 20 feet away from doors, vents or windows.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is preventable, but you have to be sure to take the time to make sure that your home and the items you are using are safe. It is easy to make a small mistake that has everlasting consequences. Take time out of your day to take action on these CO poisoning DO’s and DON’T’s to better protect yourself and those around you.

Thanksgiving for many is the optimal chance to spend time with family and reflect on all that they are thankful for. Alongside the joy of this day, there is also a list of tasks to be completed, long lists for the grocery store and an extensive amount of preparation to be done prior. Not only do you need to prepare for the meals you will be cooking, but there are also other areas in which you should prepare for; safe cooking and protecting the children who are around you. Between the constant hustle and bustle of this day there are hot items in the kitchen, adults running around and the need for a close eye to make sure everyone is safe. Let’s keep the thrill of Thanksgiving and submerging yourself in time with your family by going over safety tips for cooking on this day!

Quick reminders to help keep you and your family safe!

1. Keep children out of the kitchen, although this may be hard it can keep from children being exposed to potential burns, or accidents. You can do this by creating a line with tape or other items and being sure to tell the children they need to stay behind it, for their safety. If you do allow for older children to help, make sure that they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
2. Test your fire alarms. Prior to beginning all of the prepping and cooking, make sure that your fire alarms work. Not only should you double check them the day of Thanksgiving, but you should also check them regularly.
3. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. It only takes a second for an accident to happen or for something to catch fire. If you need to step away from the kitchen when you are cooking food, ask an adult nearby to take over.
4. Use the back burners of a stove and turn the handles away from the edges of the stove. If children do find themselves in the kitchen, they may be tempted to touch the stove or grab a pan that is hanging over the edge of the stove, and this can cause serious injuries. If you need to use all burners, try using larger pots on the edge with handles that are smaller and higher.
5. Keep the floors clean. It may be hard to keep the floors free from clutter, but it is important to do your best on a day like this. When there are people going in and out of the kitchen it can be easy to trip over items that are on the floor and cause an injury. This day is a time to enjoy the presence of those you love and make long lasting memories. To help keep the day as seamless as can be, (aside from all of the cooking madness) enlist the help of these safety tips. Not only can you make sure that you and other adults are kept safe, the children you share this day with can also be protected.

Have a happy Thanksgiving filled with full stomachs, full hearts and most importantly, safety!