Updated: July 2, 2020
Originally Published: April 9, 2015
Last spring, I had a morning much like any other. I dropped my kids off at school, and while I can’t recall the exact time, I remember returning home to my garage sometime between 9:05 and 9:12 a.m. After closing the garage door, disabling the alarm, and settling into my routine of laundry and appointments, I didn’t give it a second thought.
It wasn’t until 4:15 p.m. when I headed back to the garage to pick up my kids that I discovered I had left my car running. In an enclosed space. Attached to my house. Right under my bedroom. For seven straight hours. The firemen who arrived after my emergency call had expressions that spoke volumes: I was incredibly fortunate to be unharmed.
That day haunts me. I often reflect on the chain of events that led to that moment. Why had my car been idling? Was I distracted by a conversation on the phone? Did I accidentally activate the remote start while juggling my phone, keys, and coffee? In hindsight, it doesn’t really matter. Either of those careless oversights could have had dire consequences.
Did you know that when you let your car idle in the garage, carbon monoxide can accumulate and seep into your home? I certainly didn’t. Those chilly winter mornings spent warming up my vehicle, dashing back inside for forgotten items, or chatting on the phone while the engine was running—all potentially deadly actions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 400 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide exposure every year. It’s colorless, odorless, and can be fatal in mere minutes.
Here are some crucial steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe:
- In an attached garage, never leave your car running, even with the door open. Fumes can accumulate quickly. Avoid idling your vehicle while shoveling snow around it, as snow can block the tailpipe and trap carbon monoxide inside.
- If you have an SUV with a tailgate, always open the vents or windows when loading or unloading. Leaving just the tailgate open can draw exhaust fumes inside the vehicle.
- Never operate a portable generator or gasoline-powered tools like lawn mowers, weed trimmers, or snow blowers in an enclosed area like a garage.
- If you haven’t done so yet, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If it alerts you, evacuate the area immediately and call 911. If you experience symptoms that could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning—such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, or confusion—leave the premises and seek medical attention right away.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, be sure to check out this post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re seeking resources related to at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reliable kits for your journey. Additionally, Progyny provides excellent insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, take the necessary precautions in your home to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Awareness and vigilance can make all the difference in ensuring your family’s safety from this invisible threat.
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