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LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
During the winter months, it is important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Every year there are carbon monoxide poisonings reported, some resulting in deaths. These poisonings are preventable.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless poisonous gas that can be fatal. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. If several members of a household experience these symptoms when they are home, but feel better when they are away from home, there may be a carbon monoxide problem.
Gas appliances and heating systems in your home should be checked annually to ensure that there is enough ventilation and CO is not building in the house. Generators should never be used indoors or in an enclosed space such as a garage, basement, or a porch. Exhaust from these generators contains carbon monoxide. CO detectors should be installed in homes, especially near sleeping areas. When using a gas, coal or wood fireplace, always make sure that the flue is open and never use a gas stove to heat your home. Gas dryers can also be a source for carbon monoxide.
What you can do to prevent CO poisoning:
- Install a CO detector in your home near bedrooms. Test alarms frequently, change batteries annually.
- Have your heating systems, chimney flues, and gas appliances checked yearly, cleaned and serviced as needed by a qualified heating/appliance contractor.
- Never go to bed with a fire burning, or smoldering.
- Repair, or replace faulty car exhaust systems promptly.
- DO NOT run cars, lawn mowers, generators, snow blowers, or other internal combustion engines in enclosed spaces such as a garage, porch, or basement.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, leave your house immediately! Call 911, or the Connecticut Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) from a cell phone, or neighbor’s home. Make sure you call the local fire department to test for CO, or call your fuel supplier or licensed heating contractor for an emergency inspection.
More Information
City of Stamford
www.cityofstamford.org
Connecticut Poison Control Center
http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu/
800-222-1222
New England Fuel Institute
www.nefi.com
617-924-1000
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