Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

During the past week there was an incident on the News that was local here in Southern California of a family that suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. This family moved into a new residence late in the summer and turned on the heater for the first time in early December.

The culprit is said to have been a leaky heater valve. I suggest families utilize a professional service to get heaters and other appliances turned on for the winter season. We always call and make an appointment with the Gas Company to turn on our heater. The day of the scheduled visit I have all windows open to help air out the smell of the heater being turned on.

I have seen segments on the news over the years on families that lost their homes and belongings when they used a heater improperly in the house to keep warm and even those that used a grill indoors. There are times when a member of a family leaves a car running in the garage that ends up hurting family members. Please use caution in the morning as well as in the evenings.

In my house the heater is never turned on at night, we sleep in a bedroom that has an air conditioner still going and a few fans. Upon waking I turn on the heater in the bathroom that operates at the ceiling via a switch and the heater in the living room for a few minutes to warm up the room. I usually make a cookie sheet of fries to warm up the kitchen and it is a nice treat for my younger son before heading off to school.

The National Fire Protection Association has tips for Christmas tree safety, safe heating, publications and fact sheets. Another useful tool is the Winter Preparedness Safety Tips by FEMA that covers driving hazards and warning terms to know.

I purchased several years ago a First Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm that stays on top of a dresser in the bedroom. I also have a First Alert Kitchen Fire Extinguisher that stays on top of the refrigerator. While watching QVC this afternoon I viewed battery operated rechargeable candle lights set, which is a safe alternative to burning candles in a home with children and pets. This is also useful for emergency power outages, and comes with the battery charger. It is item # H-89125 at QVC.com. Phillips sells a similar item at Amazon in either a 2 or 6 candle set.

These items make good anytime gifts for single parent families and/or elderly relatives that might live alone. A very useful and safe product for indoor use, perfect for the winter season upon us.





Fire Season is here - are you covered?

Nurse Hotlines