carbonmonoxidededtectorJamestown (CSi)  Jamestown City Fire Chief, Jim Reuter, reminds residents, that as the outside temperatures drops and winter approaches, we will be using our furnaces, fireplaces, wood burns and any other fuel burning appliances for many different things.

The time is now to have fuel burning appliances checked and make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

The following is helpful tips to help keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Feel free to share this information with others. If you have any questions feel free to contact our office, at 252-1441.  

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – “The Silent Killer”

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and Jamestown Fire Department would like you to know that

there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

Each year in America, more than 150 people die from accidental non‐fire related carbon monoxide

(CO) poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, improperly‐used

or incorrectly‐vented fuel‐burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

Understanding the Risk

What is carbon monoxide?

CO, often called “the silent killer,” is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It can be created when fossil

fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane or wood do not burn properly.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

CO poisoning can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water

heaters, clothes dryers or cars left running in garages.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness. Exposure to undetected high

levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

CO Alarm Installation

 Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms

inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.

 CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of

the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best

protection, have CO alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. When one sounds, they all

sound.

 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

 Combination smoke‐CO alarms must be installed in accordance with requirements for smoke alarms.

 CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms and vice versa. Know the difference between the sound

of smoke alarms and the sound of CO alarms.

CO Alarms: Testing and Replacement

 Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them if they fail to respond correctly when

tested. The sensors in CO alarms have a limited life. Replace the CO alarm according to

manufacturer’s instructions or when the end‐of‐life signal sounds.

Know  the difference between the sound of the CO alarm and the smoke alarm, and their lowbattery

signals. If the audible low battery signal sounds, replace the batteries or replace the

device. If the CO alarm still sounds, get to a fresh air location and call 9‐1‐1 or the fire

department.

 To keep CO alarms working well, follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

CO Precautions

 Have fuel‐burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves, coal

stoves, space heaters and portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every

year.

 Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.

 Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. The CO gas might kill people and pets.

 When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products tested and labeled by a

recognized testing laboratory.

 Make sure all fuel‐burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning.

Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

 If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never

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 blocked with snow, ice or other materials. The

CO gas might kill people and pets.

 Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

 Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents and other building

openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even

if the doors are open.

 Use portable generators outdoors in well‐ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents

and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

If you’re CO Alarm Sounds

 Immediately move to a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window or door). Make sure

everyone inside the home is accounted for.

 Call 9‐1‐1 from a fresh air location (outdoors or by an open window). Remain at a fresh air

location until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Jim Reuther

Fire Chief

Jamestown Fire Department