Jeanerette Volunteer Fire Department
Safety Tips
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It can kill you before you know it because you can't see, taste or smell it. Carbon Monoxide is a by-product of fossil fuels. Fumes form automobiles contain high levels of CO. Appliances such as furnaces, space heaters, clothes dryers, ranges, ovens, water heaters, charcoal grills, fireplaces and wood burning stoves produce CO. Carbon Monoxide is vented to the outside if the appliance functions correctly and the home is vented properly. Problems occur when the ventilation becomes cracked or blocked. Insulation can sometimes trap the CO in the home.
At lower levels of exposure, it can cause health problems. Some people may be more vulnerable to CO poisoning such as fetuses, infants, children, senior citizens and those with heart or lung problems. When CO is breathed in by an individual, it accumulates in the blood and forms a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. Carbon Monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin and displaces the oxygen that the body organs need.
Carboxyhemoglobin can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion, and irritability. Later stages of CO poisoning can cause vomiting loss of consciousness and eventually brain damage and/or death.
It is recommended that at least one Carbon Monoxide detector with an audible alarm is installed near the bedrooms. If a home has more than one story, a detector should be placed on each floor. Be sure the detector has a laboratory testing label.
The following is a check list for where to look for problem sources of CO in the home. Be sure to check for signs of corrosion, rust, gaps, holes, cracks, metal fatigue, free of debris, dirt, and blockages.
Forced air furnaces
Furnace connections
Furnace filters and filtering system
Forced air fans
Combustion chamber and internal heat exchanger
Burners and ignition systems
Oil furnaces
All other appliances such as : water heaters, clothes dryer, kitchen ranges, ovens or cook tops, wood-burning stove, gas refrigerators.
Pilot lights
Space heaters
BBQ grills
Fireplaces
Clothes dryer vent
Fire hazards around the home
One of the best ways to prevent fire in the home is to do a home inspection specifically looking for fire hazards or preparing for emergency measures in case of fire. Inspect your home one section at a time:
Kitchen
Have the appliance repaired if they aren't working right
Check the cords on all appliances. If they are worn or frayed, have them repaired.
Don't store things above the stove. People get burned while reaching for these items.
Turn pot handles so children can't pull the down.
Check to see if curtains or towel racks are too close to the stove.
Be sure a fire extinguisher is placed in the kitchen.
All cleaning products and other chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children, not under the sink.
Be sure microwave ovens have room to "breathe", and all the vents are cleared of obstructions.
Living room or family room
Be sure space heaters are at least three feet away form anything that can catch fire including walls and curtains.
Use a metal or glass fireplace screen.
Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly.
Put lighters and matches where small children won't find them.
Allow plenty of air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating.
Check for worn or frayed extension cords or other electrical cords.
Electrical sockets should be covered with a childproof fitting.
Lamp and light fixtures should be used with bulbs with wattage at or below the maximum prescribed by the manufacturer.
Bathroom
Check for overloaded extension cords and outlets.
Don't place or use any appliances near water.
Make sure all medicines and cosmetics are kept out of the reach of small children.
Bedrooms
Smoke detectors should be tested regularly to be sure they are functioning correctly.
Have a working flashlight next to each bed.
Again, check for overloaded outlets, extension cords and heaters that are too close to combustible items.
Plan two escape routes form each bedroom in case of fire.
If you smoke, DO NOT smoke in bed.
Basements, garages and storage areas
Store gasoline and other flammables in tight metal containers.
Don't use flammable liquids near heat, a pilot light or while smoking.
Don't store things near the furnace or heater.
Get rid of stored newspaper or other rubbish. Newspaper stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
Keep all chemicals, paints, etc. in their original containers.
Set you water heater at 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Outdoors
Don't ever use gasoline on a grill.
Move the lawnmower away for the gasoline fumes before starting.
Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
Have a lightning protection system installed.