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Carolyn Brewster: Changing your clock means time to change the batteries
By Carolyn Brewster
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Camping is a big part of the fan experience at NASCAR races, but portable heaters, generators, charcoal grills and other items can pose a hidden danger like carbon monoxide poisoning.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
COMMENTARY
I love the annual time change, when we get to “fall” back. That means an extra hour to sleep – and fans had a little more time to get to the track at Talladega (especially helpful since Halloween was the night before). But, hopefully, fans use both the fall and the spring mark of Daylight Savings Time as a reminder to do something else … change the batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors located in their houses and campers.
What does this have to do with NASCAR? Plenty. Carbon monoxide is produced by, among other things, car engines, charcoal grills, portable heaters, generators and even camp stoves – essentially things we as fans use when we party in the infield or even tailgate outside the track.
The odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States (healthline.com). As we breathe in carbon monoxide, oxygen in the bloodstream is replaced by the poison. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or sickness are long and varied but include things such as headache, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, even blue skin and lips.
Jeff Groom, a part-time medic and full-time firefighter from Pauling County, Ga., has worked his share of NASCAR races and seen firsthand the effects of carbon monoxide.
“At every race, there is always someone who needs to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your camper and home.
Check those batteries twice a year,” Groom said.
Groom’s warning struck a note with me, as I couldn’t recall when, or even if, I’d ever checked the carbon monoxide detector in our fifth wheel camper, which uses propane to fuel the stove and heat the cabin. I replaced the batteries as soon as I returned home.
Common sense goes a long way in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning at the track. If pitching a tent before the big race, be careful about portable heaters (especially now that it’s getting a bit chilly) within the confined space. Use grills in open areas. If you’re feeling sick, don’t take any chances – move into some fresh air and seek first aid. And next spring, when Daylight Savings Time rolls around, don’t forget to once again change the batteries in all your carbon monoxide detectors.
2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings
Driver Standings after the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
| 1 | Jimmie Johnson | 6492 |
| 2 | Mark Martin | -108 |
| 3 | Jeff Gordon | -169 |
| 4 | Kurt Busch | -211 |
| 5 | Tony Stewart | -285 |
| 6 | Juan Pablo Montoya | -289 |
| 7 | Greg Biffle | -321 |
| 8 | Denny Hamlin | -352 |
| 9 | Ryan Newman | -411 |
| 10 | Kasey Kahne | -476 |
| 11 | Carl Edwards | -520 |
| 12 | Brian Vickers | -666 |
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Comments
4 responses to "Carolyn Brewster: Changing your clock means time to change the batteries". Post a Comment.
faulltw said:
Nov 5, 2009 at 6:00 PMI enjoy Carolyn's articles, but can do with out the public service annoucemets.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
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» Confirm Abuse Reportbretjohnson59 said:
Nov 5, 2009 at 6:38 PMAlso as a Firefighter we reminder everyone to change the smoke detector batteries at home and in your camper when you change your clock!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportbthompson133 said:
Nov 5, 2009 at 9:58 PMcommon knowledge among non jr fans
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This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportxbrownsx said:
Nov 6, 2009 at 6:49 AMWhat would we do without Mother Carolyne's articles? I had no idea about changing my smoke alarm / carbon monoxide batteries! Who knew? I didn't - but thanks to Mother Carolyne, now I do.
Report as AbuseI am looking forward to Carolyne's next cutting NASCAR articke: "Race Fans Should Brush After Every Meal" and also: "Buckle Your Seat Belt Race Fans. Their Use And Operation Explained In Full".
Next week in Scene: "Carolyne Recommends Turning On Vehicle Headlights At Dusk".
Thanks Carolyne! We'd be lost without you.
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