Cold Weather Can Be A Silent Killer

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

No job too big or small. SERVPRO of Bartow Count is ready for any type residential or commercial water, mold, or fire loss. Open 24/7 call us today!

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide (or CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, or propane burn incompletely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Everyone, including pets and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Some groups including pregnant women, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems being more susceptible or at greater risk to the effects of carbon monoxide.

SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING INCLUDE:

-Blurred Vision  

-Weakness

-Dull Headache 

-Loss of Consciousness

-Confusion

-Dizziness

-Nausea/Vomiting 

-Shortness of Breath

Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from faulty furnaces, heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling vehicles left running in garages or enclosed area. Taking some basic precautionary steps can help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.
• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueling engine or motor indoors, even if the garage doors are open.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris. 
• Make sure the exhaust of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.

Dangers of Extreme Cold

While your home may be damaged due to winter weather and extreme cold, your personal health maybe at risk. According to Ready.gov, winter storms create higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as heart attacks from overexertion. That is why it’s important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you.

To avoid frostbite and hypothermia, stay indoors, if possible. If not, dress in layers to stay warm and keep dry!

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms include white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature caused by exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. 

Make a Resolution to Plan Ahead!

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster or a water or fire damage to strike, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure your business is “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for you facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Bartow County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to more than 50 years experience and a system of more than 1,700 franchises strong. The ERP is an no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY mobile app for apple or mobile app for andriod, this important information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting immediate help at your fingertips.

Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster. Whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood, having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is effected and get you back in your building faster following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes, resolve to be READY by contacting SERVPRO of Bartow County today to establish your Emergency READY Profile and be “Ready for whatever happens” in 2002.

Advantages of the SERVPRO ERP:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility
• Establishes SERVPRO of Bartow County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Accessible electronically
• Identifies the chain of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details, such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• A concise profile document containing only the most critical information needed about your business and building structure in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building quickly following a disaster.

SERVPRO’s network of more than 1,700 franchises is ready to help in the event a fire, water, or mold loss occurs. Call on a restoration system serving insurance companies and their insureds, as well as thousands of commercial property owners in North America. You can trust the SERVPRO brand!

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO of Bartow County is so important. Just visit www.SERVPRObartowcounty.com on your computer, mobile phone, or call (770)387-7455 to get the team that’s faster to any size disaster, 24/7 even during holidays. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 square feet. Be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted, locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Bartow County!