Although carbon monoxide is most often associated with the autumn and winter season, the danger does not disappear with the arrival of summer. On the contrary – during prolonged heat, storms and strong winds, the chimney draft may be disrupted, causing exhaust fumes to dangerously flow back into apartments.

In recent days, firefighters in Bolesławiec also responded to reports involving carbon monoxide detector alarms. Such incidents show that the problem is real and must not be underestimated.

Why does the danger increase in summer?

Gravity ventilation is still used in many apartment blocks. Its effectiveness depends on the difference in temperature and pressure between the inside of the building and the outdoor air.

During hot weather, the outdoor temperature is often similar to the temperature inside apartments. As a result, the natural chimney draft weakens. In addition, strong winds or sudden pressure changes accompanying storms can temporarily reverse the chimney draft.

This is when so-called backflow of exhaust fumes may occur. Instead of being discharged outside through the chimney, exhaust fumes return to the apartment. If they contain carbon monoxide, the situation can be extremely dangerous.

Carbon monoxide kills silently

Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas. It has no smell, color or taste, so people cannot detect it without an appropriate device.

The first symptoms of poisoning most often include:

  • headache and dizziness,
  • weakness,
  • nausea,
  • drowsiness,
  • difficulty concentrating.

Being in a room with a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

Experts remind people of the basic safety rules:

  • do not cover or seal ventilation grilles,
  • ensure a supply of fresh air when using a gas water heater,
  • do not install mechanical fans in rooms with gas appliances if the installation has not been adapted for this purpose,
  • have chimney and ventilation flues inspected regularly,
  • ensure periodic servicing of the gas water heater.

A carbon monoxide detector is a small expense that can save a life

Firefighters have been appealing for years for people to install carbon monoxide detectors. This small device monitors the air around the clock and immediately sounds an alarm when it detects a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide.

In many cases, the detector is what warns residents before symptoms of poisoning appear. This allows household members to leave the apartment and call for help.

What should you do when the detector starts sounding an alarm?

If you hear the carbon monoxide detector alarm:

  • open the windows immediately,
  • turn off the gas water heater if you can do so safely,
  • leave the apartment if the alarm does not stop or someone feels unwell,
  • call the fire service,
  • do not use the appliance again until it has been checked by an authorized service technician or chimney sweep.

It is worth staying alert

Summer does not exempt anyone from the duty to take care of safety. During heat, storms and strong winds, residents of buildings with gravity ventilation should pay particular attention to the proper operation of gas water heaters.

Every carbon monoxide detector alarm should be taken seriously. Do not ignore the alarm or assume that the device went off for no reason. A few minutes of caution can prevent a tragedy.