Fire Marshal Gives Tips On Preventing CO Poisoning

The Newtown Fire Marshal’s Office has important advice to help everyone stay safe from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, invisible, and unwelcome guest that invades your home. It causes dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and breathing problems. It sends 5,000 people to emergency rooms for treatment each year and kills more than 150 people each year in the United States.

“Don’t allow CO to sneak into your home!” said Fire Marshal Bill Halstead.

Potential sources of CO are fuel-burning appliances including furnaces, hot water heaters, stoves, wood or other kinds of fuel, chimneys, flues or vents that may be blocked by creosote or debris, or loose or disconnected high temperature plastic vents that might be separated or cracked, or improper ventilation that could prevent a supply of fresh air needed to ensure complete combustion of any fuel.

All fuel can leak CO, including kerosene, oil, coal, natural and propane gas, and wood. Charcoal grills should never be used indoors or in an enclosed space such as a tent, garage, vehicle, or shed. Grills that still have live coals should never be brought indoors after use. Charcoal grills should never be used as a source of heat.

Schedule a yearly professional inspection of your home’s fuel burning appliances. All potential sources of CO should be checked for possible leakage and adequate ventilation. Vents should be checked for bird nests, animals, and insects. Install a carbon monoxide detector that meets current UL standards.

“Please keep your family safe and alive,” Mr Halstead said.