Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas which is created by incomplete combustion. Car exhaust, malfunctioning or improperly installed furnaces, gas heaters or stoves that burn carbon-based fuels are some sources of carbon monoxide. What makes the gas so deadly is that it blocks the absorption of oxygen into the body’s cells. In fact, the human body will absorb carbon monoxide 250 times more readily than oxygen. Therefore, when both are present, the body will absorb the carbon monoxide before it will absorb the oxygen in the air.In sufficient quantities, this can not only damage the body, it can cause death. The danger is compounded by the fact that you cannot see it or smell it.
Factors affecting the rate of absorption of carbon monoxide into the bloodstream include:
- Concentration: The concentration of carbon monoxide in the free air.
- Exposure: The length of time an individual is exposed.
- Physical Activity: The higher the rate of respiration, the more carbon monoxide will be inhaled.
- Physical Health: Sick persons, especially those with heart or respiratory ailments are more susceptible to carbon monoxide.
- Age: Infants and elderly are more susceptible.
- Sex: Females are more affected than males.
- Altitude: The higher altitude, the greater effect of poisoning
Carbon monoxide absorbed in the bloodstream is cumulative. The human body has difficulty removing it from the bloodstream and requires 5 hours to reduce the level by half.
Deaths from carbon monoxide typically rise in the winter months due to people warming their homes. If the heat source they are using is not functioning correctly or is improperly vented, the gas can accumulate in the home’s living spaces.
Every home should have carbon monoxide detectors installed to give early warning of the presence of the gas. Models include units that plug into an electrical outlet (preferably with battery backup), battery powered (similar to many smoke alarms) and units that can be integrated into a home’s security system.
Homeowners must choose the type that works best for their home and their budget. Carbon monoxide detectors must be replaced when the sensor is at the end of it’s life cycle, which is typically 10 years. Most detectors will start to chirp or alert you when the sensor is going bad.
A distinct advantage of detectors integrated into a home’s security system is that the monitoring company (if the security system is monitored by the alarm company) will summon help even if the homeowner is overcome by the gas or if they are not home. This offers protection above those that simply emit an audible alarm inside the home. Vertex was shocked when recently told by someone that most homeowners with alarm systems choose not to have carbon monoxide detectors added to their system. Questioning the accuracy of this statement, we asked several different alarm installation companies. To our surprise, they all confirmed the statement. Integrated units typically cost between $125.00 and $150.00 dollars each. While these are more expensive than units which do not integrate into the alarm system, the cost is well worth it. If you have a security system, we highly recommend you integrate carbon monoxide detectors with it.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
| Early Exposure | Prolonged Exposure | Final Stages |
| 1. Flu-like symptoms | 1. Confusion | 1. Drop in blood pressure |
| 2. Tightness across the forehead | 2. Disorientation | 2. Complete loss of muscular control |
| 3. Headache, throbbing at temples | 3. Conscious, but unable to move due to muscular weakness | 3. Unconsciousness |
| 4. Dizziness | 4. Convulsions | |
| 5. Weakness | 5. Death | |
| 6. Nausea | ||
| 7. Vomiting | ||
| 8. Partial loss of muscle control | ||
| 9. Increased pulse & respiration |
Note: Cherry-red skin is often listed as a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. While, this can occur, it is normally in the final stages of poisoning and often not present until just before the point of death.
If you think you may be exhibiting the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical assistance immediately. Also, have your home tested to see if carbon monoxide is present.
People are creatures of habit, making them very predictable and easy targets. Many runners and walkers travel the same route each day, often at the same time. Criminals wishing to target people watch for patterns such as this. Don’t always take the same route. Switch it up by reversing the order of your route or by taking a different route altogether. In addition, vary the times as much as possible. That way the time and place you are going to be is not predictable. Also, stick to locations where people are around. Don’t travel in isolated areas.
When I run, I like to wear earbuds and listen to music. That way I can zone out and not think about how tired I am. Wearing earbuds can also hinder people’s ability to hear warning signs of danger, such as a person, vehicle or wild animal approaching. If you wear earbuds while you are out, consider putting them in only one ear. That way you can enjoy the music and still hear sounds, which could indicate possible danger. Also, keep the volume to an acceptable level.
If possible, run or walk with someone. There is always safety in numbers. If you must go out alone, tell a family member or trusted friend when you are leaving, your intended route and what time you will be back. If you don’t check in afterward, the person will know where to look for you. There are also Apps, such as Map My Run, that you can install on your phone to allow others to track your location and route traveled. It is important to look at the privacy settings for the App you use and ensure that only people you approve can see your location.
If you run or walk in the street, do so against traffic so you can see it coming towards you. Wear bright clothing so that you can be easily seen. However, always assume drivers don’t see you and distance yourself from them as much as possible. Don’t stop to talk to anyone who pulls alongside you in a vehicle unless you know them. If you think they are suspicious, quickly turn around and run in the direction opposite of what the vehicle is facing. This makes it harder for the vehicle to follow you and makes it more obvious to others that something may be wrong if the vehicle turns around to follow you.
This is the perfect self-defense product for any runner or walker. A handy pepper spray that you don’t have to hold on to because it fits in a pocket built into the palm of a moisture-wicking glove. When faced with an attacker, just rotate the trigger to release the safety and spray. This pepper spray contains the highest concentration on the market (18 O.C.) and contains an invisible dye, which can be detected on a suspect by police using a black light. Order yours today --> 
Tornados can reach wind speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour. Devastating damage occurs when a tornado touches down onto land, often destroying everything in its path. Most injuries and deaths are the result of flying debris and building collapse. The National Weather Service categorizes the intensity of tornados using the enhanced Fujita-Pearson scale, which uses 28 indicators to classify them. This scale rates tornados from EF-0 to EF-5, with EF-5 being the most destructive.
Bathrooms and other areas containing plumbing can provide added protection, since the piping can act as an anchor point for the building. If you have biking or motorcycle helmets available, put them on. Note: These should be stored in the shelter area and be readily available if you intend to use them. Don’t waste time running around to obtain them. Place small children in car seats if you have them available and secure the seat’s restraints. Place pets on a leash to keep them under as much control as possible or put them in a crate. Attempt to get under a table or other object that can offer some protection from falling debris and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Buckle your seat belt and attempt to drive to the nearest sturdy building you can enter. Avoid buildings with long roof spans, such as school gymnasiums, arenas or shopping malls. These are typically supported by outside walls only. When hit by a tornado, these buildings can collapse, because they cannot withstand the pressure of the storm.
Establish designated internal shelter areas for the business. It is wise to consult a building engineer to determine the safest structural locations for the shelter areas.
Upcoming Seminars
Although a bomb threat can be a stressful situation it is important to remain calm. The information you are able to obtain may make a difference in the outcome of the situation. Act with purpose but do not give the offender the satisfaction of making you lose your composure. It is also important to remain courteous and not antagonize the individual while talking with them. Treat all bomb threats seriously. Most bomb threats are received via a telephone call. If this happens, listen carefully to what the caller is saying. Keep them on the phone as long as possible, asking as many open-ended questions as possible.
Homeowners often have a variety of valuables in their residence such as jewelry, cash and collector coins, which should be safeguarded. Thieves who target homes look for these types of items, which are easy to carry off. The first-place thieves will look for these items is in the master bedroom. The reason for this is because, that’s where almost everyone keeps them! If you want to throw off a criminal, store the items somewhere else. A small amount of cash can always be kept in a dresser drawer in the master bedroom as a decoy to make thieves finding it think that’s all there is.
I recommend keeping your valuables secured in a quality safe. The safe should not be in kept in plain sight. It should be kept in an obscure location, to avoid detection. Smaller safes should be anchored to the floor or wall so they cannot simply be picked up and carried away. If you don’t have a safe, there are other options available. These include keeping the valuables in a hollowed-out book, fake toiletry can or soup can, which has been opened from the bottom. Most thieves are not going to look through numerous books on a bookshelf, check hairspray cans or look through your pantry for valuables. Hollowed-out books can be purchased from some distributors or easily made yourself.
Companies such as 
Startling Statistics (United States)
You’re sitting in a restaurant, enjoying a nice dinner. Suddenly, a man walks through the front door with a gun in his hand. What do you do? Where do you go? Are you even positioned to see what is going on? How many times have you sat in a restaurant or somewhere else without knowing if there were alternate exits to get out?
