Safe Kids Clark County News Articles

Written on Monday, November 28th, 2005


Carbon Monoxide: Invisible Winter Hazard

Cold weather is here. Safe Kids Clark County reminds parents and caregivers that space heaters can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up in the home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, invisible gas that can build up near fuel-burning appliances such as ovens, generators and supplemental heaters.

Carbon monoxide detectors can detect CO levels in the house that can be harmful to a child, but may not noticeably affect an adult. They can be found at hardware and discount stores for around $20 and could prevent half of all CO poisoning deaths.

Each year, in the United States, nearly 4,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for CO exposure, and about 28 die ? not counting fire-related CO fatalities.

Safe Kids Clark County also recommends these precautions against CO poisoning:

  • Prevent CO buildup in the first place ? make sure heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.
  • Don't run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first. Never leave a child alone in a car.
  • Install a CO detector outside every sleeping area and on every floor of the home. Detectors should be installed at least 15 feet from fuel-burning appliances. Check the batteries monthly (when you check your smoke alarm batteries).
  • Remember that cigarette smoke is another source of carbon monoxide.

If someone who has been in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance begins to feel nauseous, drowsy or confused, or complains of a headache, move the victim to fresh air and call 911. If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a CO alarm goes off, get everyone outside immediately and call the fire department from a pre-arranged meeting place.

For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, visit Safe Kids Worldwide.

Support Safe Kids

For several years, Safe Kids Clark County has offered free car seats to parents who could not afford to buy them. Because of reduced funding, we can no longer provide this life-saving service without charge. You can help. By donating to Safe Kids Clark County, you can help us to offer free or reduced-cost car seats to families that might otherwise go without. To donate to Safe Kids Clark County to help us continue to give out low cost car seats, or to keep our many other risk areas funded, please send a check to:

Safe Kids Clark County
3101 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 315
Las Vegas, NV 89109

You can also click on the Donate icon on the Volunteer page to donate with a credit card.

Because we are a non-profit organization, your donation is tax-deductible and a receipt will be mailed to you.

Thank you for your generosity and support! We hope to see you at one of our many events in the community!