The Genoa Township Fire/EMS/Rescue has shared important words about the risks of carbon monoxide exposure, particularly at this time of the year.
Most carbon monoxide poisonings occur in the winter. Here are ways to reduce risks of exposure:
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near the bedrooms. Check or replace the battery during daylight savings time each spring and fall.
- Never use a generator inside or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even in a garage.
- Have chimneys checked and cleaned every year, and make sure fireplace dampers are open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished.
- Never use a gas oven for heating the home.
- Never let a car idle in the garage.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and high-level carbon monoxide poisoning results in mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and death.
In a medical emergency such as carbon monoxide poisoning, it may be necessary for Genoa Township Fire Department personnel to gain immediate entry into the home to provide life-saving services. To avoid the need for emergency responders to force entry, residents are urged to purchase a locked key box.
Genoa Township Fire Department has partnered with the Roper Lock Box, LLC to provide emergency responders the access they need to a home without the security risks of hiding a key outside. The Roper Over-The-Door Key Box is installed simply without the need for tools. A key to the property is secured inside the box, accessible only to emergency responders. Each Lock Box costs $30.95 and can be purchased by check at the Fire Station located at 7049 Big Walnut Road. Bring a spare house key when purchasing the lock box for staff to secure inside.
