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In
the past decade, people have become more aware of the risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning in the home. Often called the silent killer,
carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas created when
fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and
methane burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment
that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles,
generators or lawn equipment running in an attached garage can also
produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Protect yourself and
your family from CO poisoning by following these safety guidelines:
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Never use a gas or kerosene space
heater in the home. Deaths have been attributed to the use of
these heaters when used inside the home. |
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Never use a generator indoors or
in a garage, carport or basement. Put the generator outside
and away from doors, windows and vents. |
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Never use your stovetop or oven
to heat your home. |
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Have your heating system (fireplaces,
furnaces, etc.) inspected and serviced at least once a year. |
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Install a CO detector in the immediate
vicinity of the sleeping area, per manufacturer specifications.
CO detectors shall be installed in ALL rental dwelling and rooming
units which are heated by an individual gas-fired furnace or
boiler serving six (6) or less dwelling/rooming units and all
suites in all buildings abutting (above, below or next to) the
boiler/furnace room and enclosed motor vehicle parking garages. |
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CO alarms are NOT substitutes for
smoke alarms. Smoke alarms must be installed on every level
of your home, and maintained regularly. |
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Make sure chimneys and vents for
the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up
or other blockages. |
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When purchasing new heating equipment,
choose products tested and labeled by an independent testing
laboratory. Read product directions closely before use. |
Symptoms of CO poisoning include: severe headache,
mental confusion, seizures, dizziness or faintness and nausea. Prolonged
exposure can result in vomiting, blackouts and eventually brain
damage or death. Evacuate the house immediately if you or a family
member have these symptoms.
If your CO alarm sounds:
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If it is a battery-powered intermittent
alarm, check the battery. |
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If it is a steady alarm, or you
are unable to determine the cause of the alarm, evacuate the
dwelling. |
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Seek medical help by calling
Lakewood Dispatch at 216-521-1234. |
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Do not re-enter the dwelling until
the responding agency says it is okay. |
Red Cross Carbon
Monoxide Fact Sheet (PDF)
For more information on Carbon Monoxide
Safety, call the Lakewood Fire Prevention Bureau at 216-529-6660.
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