CHENANGO COUNTY – The dangers of carbon monoxide are well known, but many households still do not have carbon monoxide detectors, leaving them vulnerable to the dangers of the deadly gas.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is created by fuel burning equipment. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up in a home and cause serious health risks or even death.
While the detectors are becoming a more common sight in many homes, many people do not have them, according to City of Norwich Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence. Earlier this year, local fire departments responded to a carbon monoxide incident that sent several individuals to the hospital.
Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo explained that with a depressed economy and the high cost of heating fuel, he is afraid individuals will try to supplement their heat by using propane heaters or other items meant for outdoor use, leaving them at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We want people to be careful and to realize that they have options,” Chawgo said. Local and government agencies have programs to help individuals who need assistance with their heating needs. “They just need to ask and we’ll find them help,” Chawgo said.
The City of Norwich has waived all permit fees for new heating units this winter, to encourage individuals to have their units properly installed and inspected.
Chawgo said the fire department responds to a carbon monoxide call approximately once a week. The detectors go bad after a period of three to five years, occasionally leading to false reads as trace amounts of gas build up. They respond to serious incidents one or two times a year. With proper maintenance of heating systems and education, many of the events can be avoided.
“There’s tons of information available on the Internet. (...) People need to educate themselves,” Chawgo said.
The International Codes Council has been discussing making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in all homes. Although the requirement has not yet been passed, some heating installation professionals are installing the detectors automatically when installing a new heating system.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer that claims about 1 ,000 lives each year in the United States,” said John R. Gibb, director of the New York State Emergency Management Office in a press release. “There are some simple common sense steps New Yorkers should take to protect themselves and loved ones over the coming winter months.”
Things like having furnaces inspected by a licensed contractor every year, having chimneys cleaned, never using a generator inside a residence, opening a window when using a kerosene heater and never running a motor vehicle inside a closed garage can prevent a serious carbon monoxide emergency from taking place.
“Most importantly, make sure that you have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms properly installed in your home,” said State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison in a press release.