Protecting Your Family from Silent Killers
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Silent killers tend to be toxic fumes that are undetectable by sight. One of the most deadly is detectable to the human nose when an additive is present, while the other is completely odorless. Here’s how you can protect your family from the two most common silent killers that can occur in the home.
Natural Gas Leaks
When the Environmental Defense Fund conducted a study of natural gas leaks under the city streets of Long Island, they detected a leak approximately every three miles. But leaked natural gas is not just bad for the environment; it’s also a dangerous prospect for families who experience it in the home. If a gas main becomes damaged, then the entire neighborhood could be at risk. With that in mind, here’s how you can protect your family from the toxic fumes of a gas leak.
How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak
The best way to detect a leak of natural gas is by its odor. While natural gas is technically odorless, there is a “rotten egg” smell added to natural gas by utility suppliers. With that distinctively unpleasant odor, natural gas is relatively easy to detect. Other ways to detect a gas leak leak are:
- A “hissing” sound
- Gas bubbles in water
- Cloudy water
- Visible damage to the gas line
What to Do in a Natural Gas Leak
If you notice any of the above signs of a gas leak, you should:
- Turn off the pilot light.
- Evacuate your home.
- Call your gas company.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a truly odorless gas, making it completely undetectable to the human nose. That means people could inhale it for long periods of time, unaware they have been poisoned until they begin feeling ill. Not surprisingly, CDC figures show that 50,000 Americans a year visit an emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning. In tragic cases where people become overcome and fall asleep, carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal. This is what makes it another silent killer — one that could be present in nearly any home, since it emits from appliances without proper ventilation.
How to Protect from Carbon Monoxide
A carbon monoxide detector is a device that can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide in the home before anyone experiences symptoms.
As part of a monitored security system, an activated carbon monoxide detector will also alert the monitoring center so that help will be on its way to you if needed.
The best way to protect your family from silent killers in the home is to be prepared. Knowing the steps to take in a natural gas leak, and making carbon monoxide detection part of your monitored home security system, are the best preparations you can invest in. To inquire about carbon monoxide detection for your home, call Commercial Fire & Security today.
About Commercial Fire & Security
Commercial Fire & Security is a locally operated, family-owned company where security is our only business. We work and live in the communities we protect, and our Five Diamond, Certified Alarm Monitoring Center has your back 24 hours a day. Call us at 855-237-3300 to request a quote or speak with our experienced security professionals.