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  • Winter Warning: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Fire

    Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947As we embark upon the new year, one of the best ways you and your loved ones can start out by putting safety first is by checking all carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms around your home. According to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), some of the primary wintertime hazards that lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning are portable generators, smoke and CO alarms, charcoal and candles, portable heaters, wet appliances, and gas leaks. To help our readers learn more ways to avoid residential fires and prevent exposure to carbon monoxide, we have compiled some useful tips below.

    What Is Carbon Monoxide?

    Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that occurs after the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, and wood. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, preventing it from carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. This leads to carbon monoxide poisoning, which causes symptoms like nausea, headache, shortness of breath, and, in the most severe cases, death.

    Because it is colorless and odorless, we often call carbon monoxide the invisible or silent killer. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to detect carbon monoxide, which is why you should install at least one on each floor of your home as well as inside or outside of every sleeping area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning that is not associated with fire each year. In addition, more than 100,000 individuals go to an emergency room for their injuries, and 14,000 others are hospitalized.

    How to Prevent CO Exposure?

    The good news is that some of the most effective ways to safeguard against carbon monoxide-related dangers are simply by installing working alarms in appropriate places, testing them monthly, and changing their batteries every year (or whenever else it is necessary). However, there are other safety measures and tips to keep in mind, such as the following from the CPSC:

    • Never operate portable generators inside a home, garage, crawlspace, basement, or any other type of enclosed area. Opening doors or windows does not provide enough ventilation. Operate portable generators outside at least 20 feet away from the home. Close windows and seal off vent openings that are in the path or close to the generator’s exhaust.
    • Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Do not cook on a charcoal grill in the garage, even with the door open.
    • If you smell or hear gas leaking, leave your home immediately and contact local police and gas authorities from outside the home. Never ignore a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm when it sounds. Do not operate any electronics, like lights or phones, before leaving the premises.

    Home Fire Safety Tips

    Last year, 3,670 Americans were killed in fires and another 13,350 were injured. To prevent a residential fire from happening, the United States Fire Administration, or USFA, recommends taking the following steps:

    • Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level and inside each sleeping area of the home.
    • Regularly check smoke alarms and replace batteries whenever necessary.
    • Create a fire escape plan and practice with your loved ones. A fire escape plan should include a designated exit point.
    • Regularly practice fire drills.
    • Properly maintain electrical cords and appliances.
    • Exert caution while cooking and never leave items unattended.
    • Keep flammable materials a minimum of three feet away from heat sources.
    • Store matches and lighters away from children.
    • Have a qualified professional inspect and clean your chimney and vents annually.
    • Turn space heaters off when you leave the room.
    • Never use your oven to heat your residence.

    If you are inside your home when a fire starts, exit as quickly as possible and then call for help. If you are outside when the fire starts, do not attempt to enter your home. Wait for help to arrive.

    Contacting an Attorney

    In some cases, a defective product like a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm causes injury to a consumer. If you were injured because of a product’s unsafe design, manufacturing defect, or the failure to provide proper warnings and instructions, you may be entitled to damages by filing a products liability claim. Just as manufacturers are legally obligated to manufacture, sell, and distribute safe products, property owners, businesses, and landlords are obligated to provide and maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms inside their facilities and buildings. If you sustained injuries resulting from a business owner or landlord’s negligence, we can help. To learn more about filing a claim, contact a representative online now.

     

    Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947

    Contact the Philadelphia products liability attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.

    ALLENTOWN/BETHLEHEM
    1-800-222-USWA (8792)

    LANCASTER
    717-824-3376

    READING
    610-376-1696