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December
2, 2003
Denenberg
Reminds Residents to Reduce this Winter’s Risk of Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Nassau
County Legislator David Denenberg (D-Merrick) encourages residents to
educate themselves to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Frostbite,
hypothermia and slips and falls are all common dangers of this bitter
cold season; however, homeowners tend to forget about the hidden, silent
danger located right within their homes. Carbon Monoxide, often referred
to as the silent killer, is an invisible, odorless gas which replaces
oxygen in the bloodstream and is fatal.
“This winter, homeowners can greatly reduce the danger of carbon
monoxide poisoning just by installing detectors and taking a few precautions,
particularly with wintertime heating devices”, stated Legislator
Denenberg. Carbon monoxide is present in a home if a gas appliance is
not vented properly, and it also can come from a gas kitchen range used
for heating or from a furnace with a flame that isn’t adjusted
properly. Any gas appliance is considered a potential and threatening
source.
“The most frequent type of carbon monoxide poisoning happens when
home heating devices malfunction”, added Legislator Denenberg.”
“That’s why, experts recommend a once-per-year inspection
for each home’s gas furnace, clothes dryer, stove, water heater,
fireplace and other gas appliances.”
The following is a list of simple precautions to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning:
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All fuel-burning appliances: such as furnaces, water heaters, and
gas dryers are properly installed, maintained, operated, and inspected
periodically as recommended.
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Fireplace
chimneys and flues are periodically checked and cleaned.
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Unvented fuel-burning space heaters are used only while someone
is awake to monitor them, and doors or windows in the room are open
to provide ventilation.
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Automobile exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, are
routinely inspected for defects, and tailpipes are routinely inspected
for blockage by snow, mud, or other substances.
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Carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and maintained
in homes, houseboats, workplaces, and other appropriate places;
carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in hallways near sleeping
areas.
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Swimming and other recreational activities take place in areas away
from where gasoline-powered engines vent their exhaust.
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Portable electricity generators are not used in enclosed areas or
in areas where the exhaust may vent into a home.
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Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home and never use a grill,
lantern, or camping stove inside a home, tent or camper. Never run
a gas-powered engine in an enclosed space.
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If you have an attached garage, make sure the insulation barrier
within the walls adjacent to the house was properly installed to
prevent carbon monoxide fumes from leaking into a living area.
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Never warm up a car engine in an attached garage with the garage
doors closed.
“Make
sure that your Carbon Monoxide Detector meets the most recent requirements
of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the International Approval
Services standard, added Denenberg.” “By following these
simple rules you can protect the health of yourself and your family
this holiday season.” If you would like any further information
on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning you can call the Nassau
County Health Department at 516-571-3410 or Legislator Denenberg at
516-571-6219.
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