Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless, making it a scary, hidden killer. It can be hard to identify a CO threat on your own, but there are signs to look out for and precautions you can take. For instance, tools like carbon monoxide detectors can be a great tool to help prevent becoming one of the thousands of Americans affected by CO poisoning annually.
The Truth About CO Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is very difficult for the average person to notice on their own, yet it can be easily produced. It can be caused by everyday tasks like burning fuel for grilling, fireplaces, furnaces, or cars in an enclosed area.
Though CO is not an easy threat to identify, it can still be deadly. In fact, more than 400 Americans die every year from unintentional CO poisoning. These instances are not linked to fires and are caused purely by exposure to CO gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also the cause of 100,000 emergency room visits and 14,000 hospitalizations annually, according to the CDC.
What Does CO Poisoning Look Like?
Poisoning from carbon monoxide can take many forms. Several symptoms can even appear mild, making it even more difficult to detect. In fact, many people mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning with a cold or the flu. However, there are some indicators you can look out for to tip you off to a larger, more dangerous threat than the common flu.
The Mayo Clinic states that the most frequent symptoms are:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Movement problems
These symptoms can be the first signs that something is wrong. It is always important to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. However, if the signals are confusing, there are tools to make getting to the bottom of these worries easy.
The Solution Is Simple
Because it might be difficult for you to detect carbon monoxide on your own, carbon monoxide detectors are an easy-to-use tool that makes finding this invisible threat simple.
A carbon monoxide monitor helps prevent you and your loved ones from being unknowingly exposed CO. For instance, in addition to detecting CO, Guardian’s carbon monoxide detector uses PowerG wireless intrusion for an added layer of protection, so you can feel even safer with more secure encryption. Our device also gives you a longer battery life and wider range. After it’s professionally installed, you can feel reassured knowing that your CO detector is looking out for you even when no one is home.
Looking to help protect your home from carbon monoxide?
Give Us a Call!Make Sure It’s Monitored
Carbon monoxide poisoning can quickly become a serious threat to you and your loved ones if it is not caught quickly. Early detection can be the easy solution standing between you and tragedy. CO detectors are a great tool to help prevent this possibility, but monitored carbon monoxide detectors are the ultimate way to help protect your home.
Monitored CO detection gives you the added safety net that comes with having someone make sure your home is protected 24/7. If carbon monoxide is detected, your device will not only notify you but our monitoring center will also be notified of the potential threat. With this, if you’re not home to directly deal with a possible CO leak, Guardian will be able to handle the situation for you by contacting the relevant authorities to make sure that the problem is dealt with.
Making sure that your device is professionally monitored adds another layer of reassurance. You won’t have to worry about being on guard 24/7 when our professional monitoring centers already looking out for you!
Detect, Deter, and Don’t Worry!
You don’t have to live in fear of carbon monoxide poisoning. With the knowledge and tools to help avoid it, you can put this threat toward the bottom of your list of stressors. Between arming yourself with the signs to look for and using a professionally monitored CO detector, your home and loved ones can stay safe from the symptoms of this invisible threat.
Call us at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) to learn more about adding a carbon monoxide detector to your Guardian Protection security system.