Guest Author - Paula Petrie

This may be a warmer than average winter according to the latest forecasts. But even if furnaces, space heaters, or fireplaces aren't working as hard, we still need to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning and housefires.

Portable heaters, including space heaters, are the top cause of deaths
in home heating equipment-related fires. Portable heater fires were responsible for about 100 of the total 240 yearly deaths associated with home heating equipment.

Carbon monoxide poisoning poses the greatest risk during the winter months, when vehicles, the second leading cause of CO poisoning, are most likely to kill or injure people as they warm up their cars and trucks inside garages.

Gasoline-powered generators used during winter weather-related power
outages can also be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. A generator's exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide which can kill in minutes.

Home heating equipment is one of the most common causes of residential
fires, second only to cooking fires. The CPSC statistics show that
fireplaces and chimneys are the number one source of home heating
equipment fires. They account for about 21,600, or 60 percent, of the
nearly 36,000 estimated home heating equipment fires each year.


To help prevent deaths and injuries, CPSC and CDC ask that you

* Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal
burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

* Install battery-operated CO and smoke alarms in your home.

* Locate CO alarms outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area.

* Locate smoke alarms on each level of the house and inside every
bedroom.

* Replace smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change the time on your
clocks each spring and fall and check batteries monthly.

* If an alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.

* Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect CO poisoning and are
feeling dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous.

Fireplaces

* Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for
leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.

* Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open
until the ashes are cool. Never close the damper if the ashes are still
warm. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside
the home.

* Store fireplace ashes in a fire resistant container and cover it with
a lid.

* Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles.

Space heaters

* Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as
ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and
other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space
heaters.

* To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go
to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the
space heater off if you leave the area.

* Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards
and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These
heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space
heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space
heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen
levels fall too low.

Charcoal grills

* Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers.
Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

Each year, at least 15,000 Americans suffer from unintentional, non-fire
related CO exposure, according to CDC estimates. CPSC reports that an
estimated 188 people died in 2002 from CO poisoning associated with
consumer products. The leading source of these poisonings is heating
systems. According to the CPSC an estimated 103 deaths were associated
with home heating systems that use liquid propane gas, natural gas,
kerosene, oil, coal or wood. According to CDC, the most common symptoms
of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting,
chest pain, and confusion. CO poisoning can cause loss of consciousness
and death. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO
poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.