While the coldest months of the year may be behind us, spring’s cold snaps and possible power outages due to storms mean plenty of Adair Countians may continue to rely on more traditional methods of heating their homes.
It is important that, as gas stoves and fireplaces are kicked on, basic safety precautions against both fire and carbon monoxide are followed.
The first and most effective line of defense against both fire and carbon monoxide threats is to ensure your home has working smoke and CO alarms.
Ideally, these alarms should all be checked once a month and their batteries should be changed twice per year—”along with Daylight Savings Time,” according to Breeding Fire Department Captain Brandon Harvey, which begins on Sunday.
Smoke detectors should be placed on every level of one’s home. If you are using a fireplace or other device which poses a fire or carbon monoxide risk such as a gas furnace, it is recommended that detectors be placed in that room, as well.
Carbon monoxide is a particularly dangerous gas. It is odorless, colorless, and often symptomless. Some people exposed to the gas may exhibit excessive sleepiness, headaches, or confusion.
Carbon monoxide may not be a threat to take lightly, though according to FEMA, only 150 deaths occur to CO poisoning (without a fire involved) per year. Harvey says, “I would say that we have had… six calls that I know of in the last 10 years.”
These calls largely consisted of the fire department checking carbon monoxide levels after an alarm went off or the homes’ inhabitants were concerned. None were medical emergencies, Chief Harvey stated.
“(Carbon monoxide poisoning) is not very common,” he said, though emphasized that if anyone is concerned, to be sure to call emergency services and have someone check. It is simply better safe than sorry.
If you have a furnace or a chimney, it is recommended that the chimney be thoroughly cleaned and professionally inspected and maintained. Blocked vents or outlets can allow smoke and carbon monoxide to accumulate. Any devices that can be fire hazards or carbon monoxide hazards (such as gas stoves or space heaters) should also be checked to ensure they are in top working order.
Finally, for fire safety, it is recommended that a fire evacuation plan be established and practiced with them.
“Make sure you have a fire plan, especially if you have younger kids so they know what to do,” Harvey stated.
Harvey also wanted to remind everyone that February 15 through April 30 is considered a forest fire hazard season. According to state law, it is unlawful for any person to set fire to any flammable material capable of spreading fire located within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland except between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. All fires should also be attended until they are completely extinguished.
If anyone has questions about fire, carbon monoxide safety, or the burn ban, Harvey says to reach out to Columbia’s E-911 service or to contact their fire department or emergency services.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
