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Posted on: September 12, 2023

Message from Aledo Public Works & Utilities

46. CO Poisoning Tips

If you smell gas, DO NOT:

  • Remain in the building
  • Use light switches or garage door openers
  • Try and find the source of the leak
  • Smoke or strike matches
  • Use a telephone or any electrical equipment that might create a spark

Immediately evacuate the building and call 911.  You should also call the City of Aledo at (309) 582-7241 or after hours at (309) 582-2331.

Be reminded: Installing a carbon monoxide detector does not eliminate the need to have a smoke alarm in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect smoke and smoke alarms do not sense carbon monoxide.

  • CO is a produced anytime a fuel is burned. Potential sources include gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, barbecue grills, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, generators and car exhaust fumes.
  • More than two-thirds of Americans use gas, wood, kerosene or another fuel as their home’s major heat source.
  • 65% of CO poisoning deaths from consumer products are due to heating systems.
     Only 27% of homes in America have carbon monoxide alarms, according to recent industry research.
  • An idling vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can produce concentrated amounts of CO that can enter your home through the garage door or nearby windows.
  • CO poisoning deaths from portable generators have doubled for the past two years, and many of these deaths occurred in the winter months and during power outages.
  • A poorly maintained gas stove can give off twice the amount of CO than one in good working order.

Prevention

  • Install at least one battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
  • Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
  • Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
  • Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
  • Do not leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
  • Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
  • Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
  • Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology? Do they need new batteries?
  • Replace CO alarms every five to seven years in order to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

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