CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS!

November 5^th-12^th is established as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Did you know that every year, more than 400 people are killed from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings? Even worse, did you know that young children are at even greater risk, with a quarter of all calls to poison control centers being for children 19 and under?

There’s a reason they call carbon monoxide the “silent killer” – it’s colorless, odorless, tasteless and can’t be detected by humans without the help of an alarm or detector. As the weather gets colder more people are using heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other appliances that produce carbon monoxide. We would like to bring awareness to the “INVISIBLE KILLER”. 

So what can students, parents and teachers do to protect against the dangers of carbon monoxide?

CARBON MONOXIDE TIPS

1. Always take safety precautions where children and adults are exposed to devices which remit carbon monoxide.

2. Make sure there’s a working CO alarm on every level of your house and near every bedroom. Test them every month to make sure they’re working correctly, and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Make sure to use generators and grills outside the home, away from any windows and doors.

4. Check the vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace outside your home to make sure they’re clear of any debris.

5. If the CO alarm sounds, leave the area immediately, call 911 or the fire department as soon as you and your family are outside the home. Stay outside until emergency personnel arrive.

Remember, our students, staff, and families are our most precious asset. Let’s take every precaution to protect their lives and safety.