FALL
Protect your family from the dangers of Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide (“CO”) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas that results from the incomplete combustion of wood, charcoal, natural gas, kerosene, gasoline and other carbon-based fuels.
CO Poisoning
CO poisoning is difficult to distinguish from the “flu”. Common symptoms can include:
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è Headache |
è Weakness |
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è Nausea |
è Vomiting |
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è Dizziness |
è Convulsions |
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è Drowsiness |
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If you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, particularly if everyone in your household has these symptoms at the same time, leave your home and immediately call your local emergency services number, poison center or 911.
Tips for Preventing CO
As you prepare your home for the winter season, consider these tips to guard against CO.
è Have appliances that burn oil, propane, natural gas, gasoline, coal or wood checked periodically for safety by a qualified gas appliance dealer or heating contractor.
è Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools.
è Check flue pipes for rust or deteriorated areas that could leak CO into your home.
è Make sure your chimney is free of nests, small animals and other blockages.
è Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors and windows, or in any room where people are sleeping.
è Never leave a car running in an attached garage even with the garage door open.
è Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home
Hot Water Safety
CAUTION: Excessively hot water can cause scalding, serious injury, or death.
Never take hot water temperature for granted. Always hand-test the temperature before using, especially when bathing children and infants.
The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (49 degrees Celsius.) In addition to preventing accidents, this reduction in hot water temperature will conserve energy and save money.
Storage of Flammables
Never store or use flammable products (gasoline, paint, paint thinner, oil, kerosene, cleaning products, turpentine, etc.) near a gas hot water tank. The hot water tank can ignite vapors from these products.
What to do if you smell natural gas or think you have a gas leak.
è Leave the building immediately and call us at 1-800-222-5101 or dial 911 for help.
è Do not touch any electrical switch or use your phone.
è Do not light a match or candle.
è Do not start a car or operate an automatic garage door opener.
è Do not try to find the source of the leak yourself.