Did you know? More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning! Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly. Breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal. Learn what you can do to protect your family from the dangers of CO.
• Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.
• Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, and vents.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
Heating Your Home Safely: Did you know? Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of the year! Follow these tips to help prevent winter fires and stay safe this winter season:
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood burning stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
• Space Heaters: – Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains, at least 3 feet away from the heater. – Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off. – Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room. – Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip. – Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.
