Danger to life from carbon monoxide: Fire department warns urgently!

Danger to life from carbon monoxide: Fire department warns urgently!

In recent weeks, warnings from fire departments and the German Fire Brigade Association have increased, urgently reporting on the dangerous consequences of improper use of carbon monoxide sources indoors. The fire department in Mönchengladbach warned of an acute risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can arise from the use of grills or generators in closed rooms. When operating, these devices release toxic carbon monoxide (CO), which is invisible, odorless and tasteless and can therefore be inhaled unnoticed. This is particularly a problem on hot summer days when exhaust gases cannot be completely removed, as rp-online.de reports.

But what exactly should you pay attention to? Charcoal grills and gasoline-powered generators are clearly designed for outdoor use. Using them indoors can have fatal consequences, experts warn. Hermann Schreck from the German Fire Brigade Association emphasizes that numerous accidents have already been reported due to improper use of such devices. Even with windows and doors open, CO can still be deadly, and the risk extends to balconies as the toxic gases waft into homes.

Protective measures and prevention

To counteract the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend installing CO alarms in every household. These devices monitor CO levels and can save lives by sounding an early alarm. It is important to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. The German Fire Brigade Association emphasizes the need to take preventive measures to educate the population and ensure greater safety. This has been happening since 2018 through the initiative for the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning, which includes well-known organizations such as ÄLRD, BAND, DFV and ZIV, as can be read on feuerwehrverband.de.

The background to the danger is diverse. Technical defects, lack of maintenance and even manipulation of combustion systems can lead to increased CO concentrations. This is particularly true for heating systems and chimneys, which are often inadequately maintained. Looking back, emergency services are increasingly reporting serious CO poisoning, for example in shisha bars with poor ventilation. Prevention measures must therefore also start here in order to protect the population from the often underestimated dangers, as interschutz.de also states.

Simple safety tips

Here are some simple tips to minimize the dangers of carbon monoxide:

• Verwenden Sie Holzkohlegrills und Stromaggregate nur im Freien!
• Installieren Sie CO-Warnmelder in Ihrem Zuhause!
• Warten Sie regelmäßig Heizungsanlagen und Schornsteine!
• Achten Sie auf eine gute Belüftung, besonders in öffentlichen Einrichtungen!

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious problem that is often underestimated. It is high time to educate yourself about the dangers and take appropriate safety precautions to protect your own life and the lives of others. Stay vigilant and focus on prevention!