Fireplaces
Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once
a year and have it cleaned if necessary. Always use a
fire screen, and burn only material appropriate for
fireplaces. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace;
burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof
or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal
container. Never store ashes in your home.
Add wood to fireplaces carefully; sparks can fly into the
room while the svreen is open.
Candles
Before you light them, put candles in non-tip candle
holders. Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or
combustible decorations or displays. Keep candles well
away from curtains and other combustibles, and never put
candles in windows or near exits. Don't leave candles
burning unattended or within the reach of small children.
Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
Carbon Monoxide
What is it?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that is
produced by burning common fuels. In the home,
 heating
and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources
of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in
an attached garage or near a window or door can also produce
dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
What is the Danger?
-CO enters your body through breathing.
-CO posoning can be confused with the flu, food poisoning,
and other illnesses. Symptoms include
headache, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, and shortness
of breath.
-Extremely high levels of CO can cause death within minutes.
A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a long
period of time or by a large amount of CO over a short
period of time.
If the CO Alarm Sounds...
-Move outdoors and account for everone in the home.
-Call 911 from the fresh-air location.
Remain at the fresh-air location until Emergency personnel
arrive to help.
-If the alarm's trouble signal sounds, check for low
batteries.
 Reducing
the Carbon Monoxide Risk
-Have your fuel burning home equipment (fireplaces,
furnaces, wood and coal stoves, space and portable heaters)
inspected by a professional every year.
-Keep dryer, stove, furnace, and fireplace vents
clear of ice, snow, dirst, leaves, and other debris.
-Never use your oven to heat your home.
-Only use barbecue grills and generators outside, away from
all doors, windows, and vent openings. Never use them
in the home or garage or near building openings. |