subject: Home Security Systems, Carbon Monoxide, and Your Home in Texas [print this page] Today home alarm systems do a lot more than just protect your home against burglary. Of course this is still the number one use of a home security system, but now you can get even more out of having this type of device in your home. One of the added bonuses of having a system is that you can stay on top of one of the deadliest threats to your health carbon monoxide poisoning. With simple steps and education in your home, you can feel more secure that this will never be something that your family needs to worry about.
The first step to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is education. If your family knows what to look out for when it comes to this threat, they will be better equipped to deal with it if there was an incident. Among the symptoms that can occur are confusion, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. If you, or anyone in your family, has a combination of these symptoms and suspects carbon monoxide poisoning on any level, they should get medical attention right away. First make sure that everyone gets out of the house and into fresh air immediately, then take anyone who has been effected to the emergency room. If you don't feel comfortable driving, call 911.
The second step toward prevention is making sure that the devices in your home that could emit this poisonous gas are up to code and are safe to use. All appliances such as stoves, water heaters, kitchen ranges, and any other fuel burning appliance should have a ventilation system that leads directly outside. This includes taking the proper precautions when it comes to your heating system as well. Every year before the weather gets cold and you begin to use the system again, you should have it checked by a professional to ensure that everything is in working order. This goes for fireplaces as well. Be sure that you always open the damper before you start a fire and keep it open until the fire is completely out, including all the ashes. Part of your yearly routine should include having the chimney cleaned and inspected every year. If you check on all of these things at the same time each year, it will be much easier to remember.
The third step is making sure that you are fully equipped and ready to detect carbon monoxide if it were to become an issue. Most homes are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. This is important, and it's important to make sure that they have new and fully functioning batteries. This is also where your home alarm system can play a role. Now with some home security companies you can have your carbon monoxide detectors connected to your system and monitored in the same way that they monitor the security of your home. Any sort of disturbance in your home in this way will be immediately reported to the monitoring company so that they can take action on your behalf.
Home Security Systems, Carbon Monoxide, and Your Home in Texas
By: Oswald Melman
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