Time for Change - 8 Fall Tips
Experts recommend you check and replace the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector every autumn and spring when you change your clocks. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, the fall season is a great time to buy one. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that is produced by every fuel-burning appliance in your home. When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. But improperly operating or improperly vented appliances can produce elevated, even fatal, carbon monoxide concentrations. CO poisoning can cause death or permanent brain and organ damage. The CDC estimates that more than 400 people die a year from CO poisoning.
Ventilation is needed to reduce pollutants to tolerable concentrations. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Confusion and impaired judgment
- Chest pain
National Safety Council, “Autumn Hazards” Iowa State University, “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Unvented Gas Space Heating Appliances” US Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries When Changing Clocks This Weekend; CPSC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Autumn Health and Safety Tips" TODAY, "Quit touching your face, flu researchers say" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Frequently Asked Questions" Drugs.com, "Carbon Monoxide Exposure - Care Guide" LoveToKnow, "Fall Season Safety Tips" Simi Valley Acorn, "Avoid a fall during autumn cleanup" Courtesy of Alexey Poprotskiy | Dreamstime Courtesy of Ron Chapple | Dreamstime Courtesy of Muriel Lasure | Dreamstime Courtesy of Ryan Jorgensen | Dreamstime Courtesy of Ryan Mahle, via Wikimedia Commons Courtesy of Constantin Opris | Dreamstime Courtesy of Showface | Dreamstime