During the upcoming frigid winter months, houses become sealed up and home furnaces are cranked.
And, while it is nice to be warm and cozy inside your home, local officials want to remind citizens of the potential hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning, which increase this time of year.
In the month of November alone, Morton Municipal Gas responded to five calls involv- ing carbon monoxide, with one being positive, according to Bob Wraight, public works director with the village. In total, they have responded to 48 carbon monoxide calls during the year so far.
“You just have to be careful,” Wraight said. “(Last year) we had some pretty significant measurements.”
Crews use new instruments to measure the amounts of carbon monoxide, Wraight said. They then assess the risks and possibly determine where the leak is located.
“This is a scary thing,” he said. “And we’re very fortunate we are able to respond to these calls.”
Morton fire chief Joe Kelley said the fire department also responds to calls if the residents are feeling the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, including dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness and disorientation, among others.
“About every year, we run into a least one situation or house where we find dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide.”
In fact, last year, they responded to a situation involving a family that was not aware of the high levels until symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning developed, he said. They were transported to the hospital for treatment.
“You could die from carbon monoxide poison and not even know anything was happening,” said Kelley, adding the carbon monoxide does not smell.
Kelley said to check the carbon monoxide alarm in your home every six months when you check your smoke detector.
As of 2007, every house in Illinois must be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector located within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping, according to the village of Morton.
“It is especially important in the winter months to check your carbon monoxide detector,” Kelley said.
Take precautions:
• Properly equip your home with carbon monoxide alarms
on every level and in sleeping areas. The only way to detect if there is carbon monoxide in your home is with an alarm.
• Every year, have the heat- ing system, vents, chimney and flue inspected by a quali- fied technician.
• Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust and stains.
• Install and operate appli- ances according to the manu- facturer’s instructions.
• Only purchase appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Never use a gas range/ stove to heat the home.
• Never leave your car running in a closed garage or use fuel-powered appliances or tools like generators in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches. Car- bon monoxide can seep into your home through vents and doors.
Learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning at www.knowaboutco.com.
