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Get the facts on water poisoning
By Corky

In Florida they say we need to conserve water, but what is the real reason? Corky has done an investigation spanning all corners of the internet and came up this amazing story. 

What's the big deal?

Hundreds of people die every year as a result of water poisoning. In fact, it is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America. Knowing the facts can reduce the number of these accidents and save lives.

What is water?

Water is a liquid that you cannot smell or taste. 

If your home is very well sealed or not well ventilated, the levels of water may easily rise to deadly levels.

Why is water so deadly?

When you breathe in water, it can cause brain damage, suffocation or death. Because you cannot smell or taste the deadly liquid, poisoning can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere. Everyone is at risk but pregnant women, young children, senior citizens and people with heart and lung problems are at greater risk.

What are the warning signs?

Water poisoning and the common flu seem a lot alike at first. Early warning signs of low-level poisoning include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath. Your skin may also turn pink or red in response to rising blood pressure. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, ask other members of your household if they are also feeling ill. If so, you may be suffering from water poisoning and should talk to your doctor.

How can you protect yourself in the home?

There are three things you can do to protect yourself from water poisoning.

1. Have a qualified service technician inspect your faucets once a year.
2. Install at least one water detector in your home, especially outside your bedroom. There are several types of detectors, including battery-operated and plug-in models. Whichever detector you buy, make sure it bears the Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 label. If you choose a plug-in model, it must also bear the Canadian Standards Association label. It is a good idea to install a detector on every level of your home outside sleeping areas.
3. Birds' nests, twigs and old mortar in chimneys can block proper ventilation and lead to buildup of water liquid in the home. To avoid this problem, have your vent pipe and chimney flues inspected and cleaned once a year by a qualified technician.

Is there ongoing maintenance?

Install the water detector according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure it works properly. As with all detectors, test your water detector regularly to make sure it is doing its job to protect you. The manual should tell you when and how to test your alarm. Often, you simply press the test button on the detector and listen for the alarm. And remember to check the manual for information on when to buy a new water detector. Like most things in life, water detectors tend to wear out over time.

What should you do if the detector alarm sounds?

If the detector sounds, you and any members of your household should leave your home immediately. From outside the home, call the Fire Department immediately, at 9-1-1, and await their arrival. The Fire Department will inspect your home and try to find the source of the water. Do not return to your home until the problem has been found and corrected.

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Filed by Corky
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