With the nasty weather we are currently experiencing, many people are staying indoors and rightfully so! During this time of year with more people indoors we experience a problem with Carbon Monoxide.

In the past few years, nearly 100 Californians, many whom were children, have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning in more than 20 incidents across the state. Public health experts agree that someone involved in just one CO incident may develop long-term health effects that could last a lifetime. Evidence indicates that overexposure to carbon monoxide can inflict lingering or even permanent bodily harm, such as memory loss, speech and mobility problems, or psychiatric issues, like depression.

All of these incidents may have been prevented had there been working CO alarms installed.

Odorless, colorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, and having a working carbon monoxide alarm is the only safe way to detect this poisonous gas in your home.

The California Air Resources Board, in a 2005 report to the California Legislature, estimates that each year, carbon monoxide accounts for “30 to 40 avoidable deaths” and “hundreds to thousands of avoidable illnesses.”

In my work with the Sacramento Fire Department, I have seen firsthand the devastation CO poisoning has on families and know the importance of doing all we can to prevent these senseless tragedies. I encourage homeowners to make the decision to ensure maximum protection for your family and act now by updating your CO alarm or purchasing one if you don’t have one installed in your home.

By practicing good safety habits at home, families stand a much better chance of not becoming a victim of this silent killer. Don’t wait ‘til it’s too late. For more information about CO Awareness Week, carbon monoxide, and how to help protect your family, visit  www.knowaboutCO.com.