Reminding Customers About Carbon Monoxide Safety

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150 people die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented appliances such as furnaces, stoves, generators, water heaters and fireplaces. As people begin to spend more time indoors over the winter months, Peoples is issuing a reminder about the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
“Since the current heating season began, we’ve had over 300 service calls involving carbon monoxide. They come from homes and neighborhoods of all ages and income levels and from businesses throughout our territory,” said Barry D. Leezer, Sr. Director, Customer Operations for Peoples. “Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be educated about its symptoms.”
 
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and potentially dangerous gas produced when fuel is burned without enough air for complete combustion. The flame in gas appliances should be blue, possibly with flecks of orange. If the flame is mostly yellow, it indicates that the gas is not burning properly and is giving off carbon monoxide.  
 
During cold weather months, as buildings remain closed and fuel is burned for heating, inefficient combustion and poor ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide indoors. In large amounts, the gas can cause headaches, unconsciousness, brain damage and even death. Carbon monoxide can be detected with a simple home monitor that plugs into a standard wall outlet.
 
The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can often mimic flu symptoms. It’s important for people to recognize the signs of potential carbon monoxide poisoning, to know what to do if they occur, and to learn how to prevent this dangerous hazard.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Headaches
• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Irregular breathing or shortness of breath
• Overall paleness
• Blurred vision
• Very red lips and ears
• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Carbon Monoxide:

• Have your heating systems and vents checked annually by a certified contractor
• Make sure your chimney is cleaned periodically and free of obstructions
• Keep air vents for your gas appliances clear
• Never use a gas oven or stovetop for heating your home
• Do not use portable charcoal or propane grills indoors or in the garage
• Do not run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space
• Use only space heaters that are approved by local fire codes and properly installed
• Check fireplaces for closed or blocked flues
• Periodically check range pilots for soot or carbon build up
• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if windows are open