Important Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips Can Save Your Life

STAMFORD, Conn., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- You can't see it, smell it, or taste it.  Yet being able to detect its presence in your home can literally mean the difference between life and death.  Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced whenever gas, charcoal, wood or oil is burned.  High levels of the gas can kill you in minutes and each year hundreds of people die from accidental CO poisoning.

MXenergy, one of the nation's leading independent energy providers, is urging all homeowners to familiarize themselves with proper carbon monoxide safety and take the necessary steps to prevent tragedy.

"Many people believe that if they have CO detectors in their homes then they are protected against carbon monoxide poisoning," says Jeffrey Mayer, MXenergy President and CEO. "The truth is however that is not the case. Although today's CO detectors are much more reliable than they used to be, they are still not a guarantee of protection.  Proper prevention and maintenance is essential to protecting your family."

MXenergy Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

• Prevention
  • Have all of your fuel burning appliances serviced by a licensed, trained professional at the start of each heating season
  • Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible
  • Never idle a car in the garage – even when the garage door is open
  • Never use a gas oven or dryer to heat your home, even for a short period of time
  • Never operate a portable generator or other gas-powered tool in an enclosed space.  Even with open doors and windows, CO can build to lethal levels very quickly
  • Install CO alarms outside bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the house.  Make sure each alarm has a working battery back-up.

• Know the Symptoms
  • Low Level exposure can trigger shortness of breath, mild headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.
  • High Level CO poisoning can result in vomiting, mental confusion, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death

• Take Action
  • If you suspect you have been exposed to carbon monoxide make sure you do the following:
    • Leave your house immediately and get fresh air
    • Call 911
    • Do go to the emergency room and tell them you suspect CO poisoning
    • Have your appliances tested and serviced by a trained professional

"The most important thing homeowners can do is to take the threat of carbon monoxide seriously," says Mayer.  "If you are experiencing symptoms and suspect carbon monoxide, seek help immediately."

Homeowners can find additional CO safety information and recommendations at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html and http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html.

About MXenergy

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses.  Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.  For more information MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.

SOURCE MXenergy

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