Ensure the people and pets you love are safe from a silent killer. Every year, between 20,000 and 30,000 people are sickened by carbon monoxide, according to the CDC, and around 500 die. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in any indoor space, but the home is the most common, and the garage is often the source of the problem.
Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Build-up
At Garage Designs, we are committed to helping you create a garage space that meets your needs. And to do that, it must be safe for you and everyone else in your home. Read on to learn everything you need to know about carbon monoxide in garage environments.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide or CO, is a gas that is the byproduct of engines that burn fuel. It has no color or odor and is generally undetectable by humans even in dangerous concentrations. Carbon monoxide can lead to illness by displacing oxygen in the blood and depriving vital organs of oxygen.
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Symptoms vary, but the most common are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Many people describe the symptoms as being “flu-like.” Breathing in high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause people to pass out and eventually die before they experience acute symptoms. Everyone is vulnerable, including pets, but infants, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems are particularly sensitive.
How can You Safeguard Against Carbon Monoxide in Garage Areas?
The threat of carbon monoxide can’t be ignored. And since you likely won’t notice when the deadly gas is building up, you need to take some proactive steps to make sure it never gets to dangerous levels:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your garage, and be diligent about replacing the batteries. Look for one specifically designed for use in the garage. It’s also a good idea to put a detector inside the home because carbon monoxide can leak out of your garage and put you at risk, no matter your room.
- Never run your car in your garage, even temporarily, with the door open. Warming the car up inside on a winter morning may be tempting, but it takes very little time for carbon monoxide concentrations to become dangerous.
- Operate tools and appliances that burn fuel (gas, wood, propane, etc.) outside the garage in the open air. This includes lawnmowers, generators, and space heaters.
Transform Your Garage: To keep your garage safe and organized, check out our Showroom for unique flooring and organization inspiration.
Avoid the Risks and Reap the Rewards
With a little precaution, you can eliminate one of the major dangers associated with your garage. But there is a lot more that you can do to your garage to enhance its convenience, utility, look, and feel. When you’re ready to transform the average into the awesome, contact the team at Garage Designs.
If you need help organizing your garage this summer, download your free copy of A Guide to Garage Organization & Improvement.
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