SPRINGFIELD– With winter weather just around the corner, and heating equipment expected to work longer to keep homes warm, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts encourages customers to stay safe by recognizing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We all get busy rushing around during this upcoming holiday season, when the winter weather begins to creep up, and many of us may overlook making sure heating equipment and chimneys are operating safely,” said Columbia Gas of Massachusetts President Steve Bryant. “Please ensure you only allow licensed professionals to work on heating equipment. We want our customers to stay warm and safe in their homes now and throughout the heating season.”
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas created whenever combustion takes place without sufficient oxygen. Carbon monoxide has proven to be very poisonous – and lethal – if allowed to accumulate in enclosed spaces. Malfunctioning and/or improperly vented appliances are major sources of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Prevention Tips:
· Purchase carbon monoxide detectors or, if you already have them, make sure they are operating properly.
· Make certain all fuel-burning equipment (coal, wood, natural gas, propane, pellet stoves, Kerosene, and fuel oil) is installed, inspected and operating properly.
· Hire a professional to install all fuel burning appliances, including ovens, stoves and clothes dryers.
· Do not cut off or restrict air sources to appliances.
· Provide adequate indoor ventilation when using fireplaces or unvented space heaters.
· Never burn charcoal indoors or in an enclosed space.
· Clean chimneys and check for blockages.
· Open garage doors before starting vehicles.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms:
Carbon monoxide may cause any or all of the following symptoms:
· Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, ringing in the ears, seeing spots, feeling ill or tired at home, but feeling fine away from home, as well as loss of consciousness and respiratory failure.
· Household symptoms include foul-smelling or stale air, the smell of exhaust fumes, a yellow or orange flame on natural gas ranges and stoves, as well as soot around the outside of a chimney, furnace or water heater flue vent, or large areas of condensation of water vapor on walls or windows]
What to Do:
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or a natural gas leak, leave the home immediately, and then contact 911.
