Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives!
Having a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector in the home is essential. A recent tragedy in Wakefield, New Hampshire, where four family members lost their life, highlights how important early detection can be. CO is known as the silent killer. It is a colorless, odorless gas which can cause serious illness and death at high levels. Symptoms of CO poisoning can mimic viruses such as cold or flu and may include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
The State of New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office provides the following advice:
• DO have your heating system and water heater serviced every year by a licensed, qualified professional. The company that delivers your fuel typically has HVAC technicians and is often a good choice, or the home inspector if you are in the process of purchasing a home.
• DO make sure your gas-powered equipment displays the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). https://ul.org
• DO have your chimney checked to make sure it is not blocked by debris, which can cause CO to build up in homes and cabins.
• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO; only use them outside.
• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home.
Epping Fire Department has a limited number of combination smoke/CO detectors available. Give us a call (603) 679-5446, if you would like us to provide one for your home.