Indoor Winter Safety

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can be purchased commercially and may be your only defense against this colorless and odorless gas that can have fatal results in your home.
• CO poisoning is especially prevalent in the winter when houses are sealed from the outside.
• High levels of CO inhalation will yield a deficiency of oxygen within the blood, as CO is picked up much quicker by red blood cells compared to oxygen.
• The following are some symptoms of CO poisoning:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
• Here are some easy ways to reduce the chance of CO poisoning within your home:
  • Never use a gas range or oven for heating your home.
  • Always run your generator or use any grill outdoors, away from any air intakes to your home.
  • Never run a vehicle in a garage with the door shut.
  • Have your heating system, water heating or other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician each year.

BE FIRE FREE...WATER THE TREE

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees.
• Always be sure to make a fresh cut of 2 inches off the trunk before you place it in the stand to ensure the tree will take water.
• Keep the tree properly watered through the holiday season.
• Be especially careful near the end of the season when the tree eventually begins to dry out, despite it being properly watered.
• Never place an open flame near the tree, and locate the tree away from any heat sources. (Never leave a space heater un-attended and keep it away from any flammable materials!)
• Limit the amount of time the lights on the tree are illuminated.