Home heating safety tips: Carbon monoxide poisoning
It’s officially chilly in the High Country, so we’ve closed the windows, cranked up the heat, lit the fire, and pulled out our space heaters. After a day in the cold, there is something about curling up by a fireplace with a marshmallow-filled cup of hot cocoa in hand. But did you know that heating equipment, such as a fireplace, furnace, wood stove, or space heater, is a leading cause of home fire deaths and carbon monoxide poisoning? (1)
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled and can even lead to death. CO is released when you burn fuel in stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. (2)
What are common symptoms of CO poisoning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, and confusion. CO poisoning can lead to the loss of consciousness and even death. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. (2)
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be confused with viruses such as the common cold or flu. But unlike the flu, carbon monoxide poisoning does not cause a fever.
In addition, if you and your family members experience similar symptoms when you are at home, but the symptoms go away when you leave home, this may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.
What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?
“If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, the most important thing to do is exit your home and call 911 to get fire and medics on the way to your home,” said Cove Creek Fire Chief Steve Marks. “Emergency responders will assess you and your home to ensure
your safety.”
How can I prevent CO poisoning and heating fires in my home this winter?
Following these precautions can help prevent injury and even death. Marks urges consumers to:
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. “Consider using a battery-operated CO detector with a digital display. This type of detector allows for easy viewing of carbon monoxide levels in addition to alarming. Many CO detectors are now designed to be plugged into an electrical outlet and utilize a battery back-up for power failures. Batteries should be checked regularly and replaced as needed,” said Marks. CO detectors should
be placed on each floor near sleeping areas.
• Replace CO detector batteries. The CDC recommends changing CO detector batteries when you change your clocks to spring forward or fall back an hour (twice a year).
• If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter your home until cleared by responders. Marks recommends seeking medical attention immediately, even if you are not experiencing symptoms.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances at the beginning of each winter.
Fireplace and space heater safety (3)
• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a qualified professional.
• Keep anything that can burn, children, and pets at least three feet away from open fires and space heaters.
• Ensure your space heaters have been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Space heaters should be placed on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
• Space heaters should always be plugged directly into electrical outlets. Never use power strips or extension cords as these tend to overheat and can cause a fire.
• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep, nor should you place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Always turn a space heater off when you leave the room.
References:
1.National Fire Protection Association. (2017). Top fire causes: Heating. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Firecauses-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022) Carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008) CDC and CPSC warn of winter home heating hazards.
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/pressroom/2006/cowarning.htm#:~:text=Space%20heaters%3A&text=Place%20the%20heater%20on%20a,pets%20away%20from%20space%20heaters.
