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CARBON MONOXIDE RISKS INCREASE WITH
COLDER TEMPERATURES

Secure your safety by properly inspecting older heating devices.

Carbon monoxide is the incomplete combustion of a product, (such as a heater) meaning the product burned without sufficient amounts of oxygen present.  Cases of Carbon Monoxide poisoning rise when the weather beings to turn colder. If a heater hasn't been turned on in a while, dust may have accumulated in it. When the heater is turned on, the ignition source burns the dust. In addition, some people turn on their stove's burners in order to heat their homes, which can create dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. This can be dangerous if there is not enough ventilation inside the home.

Although the gas is difficult to detect, according to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of poisoning include: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

However, there are ways for people to avoid these potentially deadly situations.

In addition to having the furnace checked every year by a licensed heating contractor, a plumber or the gas company, it is important to clean around the heating unit in order to prevent any buildup of dust. Allow airflow to flow unobstructed by not storing anything on or around the appliance.

Also have the unit's filters checked monthly. If the heater's flame is yellow, large and appears to be somewhat unsteady, you should immediately call a gas professional.

Carbon monoxide detectors, which work like smoke detectors, are available. They will go off if an unsafe level of the gas is detected in the building.  You can usually purchase these detectors at home improvement stores, Target and K-Mart or on-line.  They are an excellent investment to protect yourself and your family from this invisible danger.