Keep your home safe this winter
Now that Autumn has come and Winter is fast approaching, we are all keeping the windows shut and making our homes snug and cosy. Summer has been and gone so now, winter woollies are being worn rather than shirts and shorts. Make sure, though that your house is safe as well. Before the cold weather comes, one of the most important things to do is to check your gas boilers, gas appliances, paraffin heaters as well as solid fuel cookers and open fires or wood burners. Central heating systems should also be inspected.
The reason for this is to make sure that carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, is not in your home. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, heard or tasted so the best way to keep your home and yourself safe is prevention. Carbon monoxide detectors can be easily bought and are well worth the money. These should be regularly tested as well. However, prevention is the main and best rule.
If you do suspect that carbon monoxide is being released into your home, open all the windows, turn off all your heating and cooking appliances and call a specialist to investigate them for you. Also, evacuate your home until it is confirmed to be safe.
As carbon monoxide is a poisonous and invisible gas, usually the only sign that it is invading your home is by the way you might feel (unless you have a working carbon monoxide detector!). These symptoms are the signs that you could be affected by this dangerous gas:
- Headaches
- Nausea and sickness/vomiting
- Dizziness and feeling faint
- Breathlessness
- Stomach pains
- Drowsiness or collapsing/ losing unconsciousness
If you notice any of the above symptoms or if your family is affected, then it is very important to seek medical advice. Pets can also be affected.
Other signs could be a yellow gas flame when using your gas appliances rather than the usual blue flame or more smoke than usual on an open fire. All appliances should be serviced every year and chimneys swept.
Other important safety devices are fire alarms and fire extinguishers. These do not detect carbon monoxide but are essential to you and your family’s safety in your home. Be warned by an alarm if there is a fire in your home and action is needed quickly. By having fire extinguishers in your home and using them if necessary, your home and life could be saved. With both carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms, it is important to check them regularly and renew the battery when necessary. Never remove the battery in these devices because you need a similar battery for a toy or another appliance. Even if you make a promise to yourself to replace the battery, do not do this as you might forget. Buy a new battery for the toy instead. Your family’s health and your wellbeing is worth more than a few moments of pleasure playing a game or with a toy.
Each year, there are sad reports in the newspapers about people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning or because of a fire in their homes. Please make sure that your home is safe this winter.