CARBON MONOXIDE (CO)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 U.S. citizens die each year from accidental CO poisoning. Known as a “silent killer,” CO is odorless and colorless. The gas is produced when fuels like gasoline, coal, propane or oil are not burned completely. Common sources include home heating devices, cooking equipment, as well as vehicles and generators running inside an attached garage. CO is poisonous, impacting people within just minutes. 

Early detection is crucial to surviving CO exposure in the home. WFD encourages residents to ensure they have properly installed battery-powered or hardwired (with battery backup) CO detectors outside of sleeping areas. Every family member should understand the difference between a low battery chirp and the sound made when CO is detected. 

To prevent CO from entering the home:

• Never operate vehicles, motors or engines inside the home. Even with the garage door open, CO could enter the home from an attached garage if a vehicle inside is left running.
• Keep dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents clear of snow at all times.
• Only operate generators outside, at least 20 feet away from the home and far away from open windows and doors. Never ignore a CO alarm. If your alarm sounds, evacuate everyone in the household and call 9-1-1 from a fresh air location.

Signs of CO Exposure | (Source: National Fire Protection Agency)

Low Levels:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flu-like symptoms

Higher Levels:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Remember that CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke detectors. Residents should have both operating outside of common and sleep areas year-round. 

HOME FIRES

Westerville’s Fire Chief Brian Miller is reminding residents to use caution when staying warm during the cold winter months.

Half of all home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February.  “If you’re using a space heater, make sure you maintain a three-feet clearance around it and never leave it unattended,” said he said. Residents using fireplaces should use a screen and glass doors in front of the flames to prevent sparks from causing a dangerous situation. Additionally, ash from the fireplace should always be kept in a fire-safe container, like a metal can.

Cooking-related incidents are the leading cause of home fires in the United States. "Many fires in our community are started by unattended food on the stove," said Chief Miller.  Fire prevention experts recommend residents get in the habit of using cooking timers, keeping flammable materials away from stovetops and keeping a clean oven. 

As the holiday seasons come to an end, it's easy to forget to care for holiday trees while they remain in the house. "Some of the worst fires we've responded to have been the result of Christmas trees that have caught on fire," he said.  Chief Miller encourages residents to continue to water trees as long as they remain in the house to prevent them from drying out.

Watch this short video for more fire safety tips:

In addition to taking precautions to prevent fires during the winter, Chief Miller recommends residents prepare their homes for worst-case scenarios. Families should have a fire exit plan, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers readily available to help contribute to a safe, warm winter.