Ok, we’ve had it pretty easy this winter - so far. A few days ago it was in the 70’s and today we have a thin sheet of ice covering everything. Temperatures have fallen and since we haven’t really had to heat our homes too much this winter - I thought I’d remind of us of something:
If you have a wood stove, fireplace, kerosene heater or natural gas furnace - you may be at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is colorless and odorless and can accumulate when the fuel you are using is not burning properly. This may be due to improper installation of the heating appliance or because of improper ventilation. So here are some tips to reduce the chance of Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
- Make sure you buy a CO alarm and place it in any sleeping areas of your home.
- Keep all rooms with kerosene heaters properly ventilated.
- Have a professional inspect, clean and repair the central heating system each year.
- This is an obvious one - but make sure you open the flue before you build a fire in the fireplace.
- Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected by a trained professional every year.
- Install and use any word burning stoves and fireplaces as the manufacturer recommends.
- Keep gas appliances properly ventilated.
- Never use the kitchen range or oven to heat your home.
- Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home.
- Don’t leave the car running inside the garage - even if you leave the garage door open.
- If your CO Alarm goes off - turn off all heat sources, open the windows and doors, leave the house immediately and call the fire department.
- CO Alarms are NOT Smoke Detectors and vice versa.
