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December 2, 2003
Jacobs
Reminds Residents to Reduce this Winter’s Risk of Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
Presiding Officer
Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) 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 Presiding
Officer Judy Jacobs. 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 Jacobs.”
“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:
- All fuel-burning
appliances: such as furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are
properly installed, maintained, operated, and inspected periodically
as recommended.
- Fireplace chimneys
and flues are periodically checked and cleaned.
- 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.
- Automobile
exhaust systems, including catalytic converters, are routinely inspected
for defects, and tailpipes are routinely inspected for blockage
by snow, mud, or other substances.
- 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.
- Swimming and
other recreational activities take place in areas away from where
gasoline-powered engines vent their exhaust.
- Portable electricity
generators are not used in enclosed areas or in areas where the
exhaust may vent into a home.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Jacobs.” “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 Jacobs at 516-571-6216.
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