The Hindu : Front Page : Staying out of CO trouble in your car

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006
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Staying out of CO trouble in your car

How do you stay out of flood and CO trouble?

For a start, if you're stuck in a car when the road is flooding, or in a traffic jam, keep your windows down — at least a crack. This will let fresh air in, preventing a high buildup of CO in the cabin.

See that your car's air-con system is set to 'ventilate' mode, as most car manuals recommend — this brings in additional fresh air.

Turn the engine off if you can, and if the situation looks difficult, explore the possibility of parking your car and retrieving it another day.

If your car is equipped with power windows and central locking — particularly an aftermarket fitment — see that your windows are kept open. It's rare, but your car's electrical system can short out with rising floodwaters. Additionally, even if the central locking system functions, you might not be able to open the doors simply due to the pressure of the water outside.

Carry a hammer with a pointed end or an ice pick in the car — if you have to break a window open, it's only such a sharp, heavy tool that can attack modern laminated glass. And if you don't have one of these about, use the jack handle, if accessible.

Finally, if you feel any of the symptoms of CO poisoning outlined in this report, take it seriously — get out, get as much fresh air as possible, and go to a physician.

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