The Ultimate Housewarming Gift

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

04 Aug 2006 06:35 AM

My husband and I registered for and received many wonderful wedding gifts. That's why when we moved into our first home together shortly after we returned from our honeymoon I didn't feel comfortable accepting housewarming gifts. However, as much as I tried to enforce the "don't-come-over-with-gifts" rule, we did receive (and accept) a few generous housewarming presents. Of them, there is one that I must admit has proved invaluable. It is an item I feel no home should be without. That's why I am dubbing it "the ultimate housewarming gift." It is a carbon monoxide detector.

I know it sounds trite, but I strongly feel that while smoke detectors have become staples in many houses, carbon monoxide detectors are often overlooked. I will be the first to admit that I never thought of purchasing (or registering for) a carbon monoxide detector. The gas is invisible and I suppose I was lulled into thinking the dangers associated with it were as well. I didn't even plug ours in until after our daughter was born (then I installed it in the hallway directly outside the nursery). It would squeal like a stuck pig each time my husband would let the car idle in the garage--even with the garage door open.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease are especially susceptible to CO poisoning.

To avoid the risk of CO poisoning in your home, practice some of these tips:

· Take the time to purchase and install a CO detector. It also makes for a great housewarming gift!

· Have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a professional prior to the heating season.

· Make sure flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

· Thoroughly read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, follow the cautions printed in the owner's manual; crack a window and keep doors to the rest of the house open.

· Avoid idling your car in the garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and other areas of your home.

· Never sleep in a room while an unvented gas or kerosene space heater is on.

· DON'T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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