Winter 'Warming', Part 3

Keeping your loved one and yourself safe and warm during the winter months takes additional special precautions. About 500 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning each year and the majority of these incidents occur during the winter months. Many more may feel sick; symptoms of mild acute poisoning include headaches, dizzyness and nausea during the winter because of low-level exposure to carbon monoxide. Poorly maintained furnaces are one reason; this can be remedied by yearly inspections of your home’s furnace. Starting automobiles in attached garages without adequate ventilation is another cause; this, too, can be avoided by fully opening garage doors before you turn on the ignition. Purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm can help prevent these accidental deaths. Many of these devices are now a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These alarms make great (and reasonably priced) gifts too.