The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is stressing the importance of carbon monoxide safety and proper heating practices this winter. Residents are encouraged to have their heating systems inspected, change furnace filters regularly, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning. The Office highlighted that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths, with space heaters significantly contributing to these incidents. They also issued safety tips, including maintaining a clear area around heating equipment and testing alarms monthly.
“We have already seen tragedy strike in the state when it comes to carbon monoxide this winter. It’s so important to have working CO detectors in your home and test them monthly,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “CO is a colorless and odorless gas unlike smoke, and many rely on natural gas as a heating source in their homes making it so important to have, the key word being, working CO detectors and smoke alarms in your home and test them monthly.”
Symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. Other signs of possible CO presence include condensation on walls and windows, house pets becoming sluggish, and chronic odors from malfunctioning appliances. If you suspect you may be experiencing these symptoms, smell natural gas leaking in your home, or if your CO alarm activates, if you can evacuate the building, do so immediately. Only open windows on your way out if they are easily accessible. If someone is unable to leave the building or is unconscious, open doors and windows to the outside in the area the person is located and stay as near to the open window or door as possible until first responders arrive. Turn on any exhaust fans that may be present. Once you evacuate, call 9-1-1 from outside your home or a neighbor’s house.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when it comes to winter heating safety:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional and change furnace filters frequently.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers’ instructions.
- Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions.
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
- Purchase units with an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over or you forget to shut it off.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before being placed into a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Test smoke and CO alarms at least once a month and be familiar with the sounds they make.
- Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
- Remember to turn off portable or space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of each sleeping area.
- CO detectors have a limited life span; check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on replacement.
