Fire Marshal Warns Of Carbon Monoxide Hazards

The town fire marshal urges residents to be aware of the hazards posed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during the cold-weather heating season.

CO is a colorless, odorless, invisible gas that is a byproduct of heating devices, such as oil-fired furnaces and wood-burning stoves. CO can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and breathing problems. CO poisoning sends 5,000 people to hospital emergency rooms annually for medical treatment; CO poisoning kills more than 150 people annually.

CO sources include fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.

CO concentrations may occur when chimneys, flues, and vents become blocked by creosote or other debris. Loose, cracked, or disconnected plastic vents may cause CO problems.

Heating devices powered by kerosene, heating oil, coal, natural gas, propane, and wood all can create CO problems.

Charcoal grills should never to be used indoors or in an enclosed area such as a tent, garage, vehicle, or shed. Grills containing live coals should never be brought indoors after use. Charcoal grills should never be used as heat source.

The fire marshal urges that residents have an annual professional inspection of home heating devices. Possible CO sources should be checked for leakage and for adequate ventilation. Vents should be checked for the presence of birds’ nests, animals, and insects.

The fire marshal urges residents to install CO detectors that meet the standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc (UL).