Did You Know?

Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors will become mandatory in all rental properties effective on January 1, 2010.  In a proactive effort to comply with this recent legislation, we are beginning installation of battery operated carbon monoxide alarms in all of our properties that burn fossil fuels (i.e., gas and oil furnaces) and any properties with an attached garage or a working fireplace.  Here are some facts we thought you might want to know…

·         Carbon Monoxide (CO) is the number 1 cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, with more than 3,800 people known to die annually from CO (accidentally and intentionally).

·         Fire causes nearly two-thirds of known fatalities. Auto exhaust and faulty heating equipment cause the remaining one-third.

• Young children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to CO poisoning.
• CO inhibits your blood's capacity to carry oxygen.

·         CO is colorless, tasteless, and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire).

·         CO is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.  In the home CO can be formed by open flames,  kerosene and gas space heaters, water heaters , blocked chimneys, or running a car inside a garage.  It is also emitted by grills.

·         At low concentrations CO can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease.

·         At high concentrations, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion and nausea can result.

If you or someone you know believes that you might have suffered CO poisoning, please seek medical attention immediately.

Customer service is our priority at Bob Schmitz Properties.  With your health and safety in mind, we will install a CO monitor near your bedrooms and on each level of a multi-level property.  We will be calling soon to let you know our maintenance schedule for this project.

Please remember to check your batteries regularly, just as you change your HVAC filter on a monthly basis, and check your smoke detector batteries.  Thanks for your anticipated cooperation, and please contact the office if you have any questions.