The “Silent Killer” Can be Prevented
BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF/October 21, 2015 – Cool fall weather has arrived, winter is fast approaching, and Big Bear Fire Department encourages everyone to practice safe winter heating. With the predictions for a strong El Niño season, it is best to be prepared. Big Bear Valley residents and tourists alike will soon be lighting pilot lights and finding other ways to keep warm during the chill of the season. When not functioning properly, the heating appliances that are keeping us warm, can turn deadly quickly.
“Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill its victims while they’re sleeping. People don’t realize they are being poisoned,” according to Nick Bruinsma, Asst. Fire Marshal with Big Bear Fire Department. Bruinsma stated, “The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to have gas-fed, flame producing appliances serviced annually by a professional, in addition to installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.”
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that produces flu-like symptoms in its victims such as severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and/or faintness. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
California enacted a state law requiring CO detectors to be installed in all homes with an attached garage as of July 1, 2011. CO detectors are required to be placed in the home outside sleeping areas, as well as on each level of the home, and in the basement. It is better to be safe than sorry. If there is a question on the number of CO detectors required, error on the side of more. CO detectors are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased locally.
CO detectors should be installed and maintained per manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, they can be installed on a wall or a ceiling. However, they should not be on the wall within 6 inches of the ceiling. This “pocket” is considered dead air that does not circulate well with the rest of the air in the house. It is also a good idea to place detectors near the home’s conventional heating source.
CO detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 5–7 years. Purchase only those detectors bearing the seal of Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Other ways to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include visually inspecting your water heater, furnace and clothes dryer flues for signs of damage or obstruction. Birds and squirrels are known for building nests or hiding food in in the exhaust flues. This can prevent proper drafting of exhaust gases. Also, never use barbecues indoors. Charcoal gives off a lethal amount of carbon monoxide that is normally dissipated in the outdoor air. Kerosene and propane heaters can also produce these deadly gases and are prohibited from use in the home.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Install CO detectors throughout the home and provide regular maintenance to heating appliances. Be safe. Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable by following these simple tips.
For additional information on this or other fire and life safety topics, contact Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.
- National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/standard_items/search_results?searchStr=carbon%20monoxide
- Cal Fire: http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_carbonmonoxide and http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/CarbonMonoxide.pdf
About Big Bear Fire Department:
Big Bear Fire Authority was formed under a Joint Powers Agreement in 2012 combining Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District and Big Bear City Fire Department, now commonly known as Big Bear Fire Department. Since its inception, it is committed is to providing Big Bear Valley with professional fire, medical and emergency services “Protecting Lives and Property,” with timely response to fire and medical emergencies.
Contact:
Dawn Marschinke
Big Bear Fire Department
41090 Big Bear Blvd.
P.O. Box 2830
Big Bear Lake, Calif. 92315
Phone: 909-866-7566 x224
Website: www.bigbearfire.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
