[Press Release] : Columbia Fire Department urges system inspections and installation of carbon monoxide alarms

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: (573) 499-7035

Columbia Fire Department urges system inspections and installation of
carbon monoxide alarms

COLUMBIA, MO (November 10, 2008) - The Columbia Fire Department and the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend that you have
all fuel-burning heating systems professionally inspected before the
cold weather settles in to prevent possible carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning. This includes furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves,
water heaters and some space heaters. 

Under certain conditions, all appliances that burn fossil fuels can
leak deadly CO. These fuels include kerosene; oil; coal; both natural
and liquefied petroleum gas; and wood. CO is a colorless, odorless gas
that can be produced by burning any fuel. The initial symptoms of CO
poisoning are similar to the flu, and include headache, fatigue,
shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposures to high levels of
CO for short periods of time can cause death as can long-term exposures
to low levels of CO.

CPSC statistics show CO poisoning from heating systems, water heaters,
generators and other appliances kill about 160 people each year. Having
your systems checked each year for CO leaks could prevent such
tragedies. Professional inspections should include checking chimneys,
flues and vents for leakage and blockage by debris. Birds, other animals
and insects sometimes nest in vents and block exhaust gases, causing
them to enter the home.

In 1993, two Columbia residents were killed and a third suffered
serious injuries when a squirrel's nest clogged the furnace flue pipe
and caused CO to enter the home the very first day the furnace was
turned on.

In addition, all vents to furnaces, water heaters, boilers and other
fuel burning appliances should be checked to make sure they are not
loose or disconnected. Also, have your appliances inspected for gas
leaks and adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to
help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is
necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel.

The Columbia Fire Department suggests that all residents install a UL
approved carbon monoxide alarm in your home. The suggested installation
location is in a common area near the bedrooms. It is not recommended to
install CO alarms directly in or near utility rooms or appliances. 

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for mounting the CO alarm and
for maintaining the alarm. 

Should your CO alarm activate, follow these steps as suggested by the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Columbia Fire
Department:

● Evacuate the building as you would for a smoke alarm.

● Ensure everyone is accounted for. 

● Call for help (9-1-1) from a fresh air location. Stay there until
emergency personnel arrive to evaluate the situation. 

● Advise emergency responders if anyone who evacuated the building is
feeling ill.

● Allow emergency responders to enter the home without having first
opened windows and doors so that their testing equipment can determine
the origin of the CO and allow repairs to be made. 

- 30 -
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