CO SAFETY TIPS OFFERED
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » National Grid offered the following safety tips with regard to carbon monoxide poisoning inside the home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly if left undetected. When fuels such as natural gas, butane, propane, wood, coal, heating oil, kerosene, and gasoline don’t burn completely, they can release carbon monoxide into the air. Common sources of carbon monoxide include malfunctioning forced-air furnaces, kerosene space heaters, natural gas ranges, wood stoves, water heaters, fireplaces and motor vehicle engines. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending on the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and length of exposure, symptoms may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart or loss of muscle control. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should go outside immediately and call 911. Next, call National Grid’s gas emergency contact number 800-892-2345. Do not return to the home until the carbon monoxide source is found. National Grid will respond immediately to all carbon-monoxide related calls for all natural gas customers within its service area, even if consumers purchase natural gas from an alternative gas supplier or marketer. The following prevention tips are suggested.
• An accumulation of snow could block vents for furnaces, hot water heaters and other appliances causing CO to back up into a building and result in carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside. Be sure vents are clear of snow and ice so they can operate properly.
• Install Underwriters Laboratory-approved home carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of the home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
• Check chimneys or flues for debris, bird nests or other blockages, and have them cleaned periodically.
• Be sure space heaters and wood stoves are in good condition, have adequate ventilation and are used in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• It’s that time of year when ovens are used more frequently; take precaution to operate a gas oven safely. Always operate ovens as they are intended. Do not use to heat a room. Be sure children are monitored while the oven is in use. Slots, holes or passages in the oven bottom, as well as oven racks, should never be covered such as with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks air flow and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. A strong, pungent odor or the presence of soot on any part of the oven surface indicates improper combustion and carbon monoxide generation.
• Never burn coal or charcoal in an enclosed space.
• If using a back-up generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Know that open windows do not provide sufficient ventilation to safely operate a generator indoors.
• Arrange for an annual check of the home’s heating system by a licensed professional heating contractor. If the heating system isn’t inspected yet, call now.