County Health and Fire Officials Concerned about Heating Safety

Skyrocketing Energy Prices May Lead to Dangerous Alternative Heating Sources

BINGHAMTON, NY - We already know this is going to be a difficult winter. Experts are warning that heating fuel prices will increase substantially this winter. In light of those anticipated increases, it is expected that some people will search for alternative heating sources. This is not a problem as long as it is done safely.

Broome County Health and Emergency Services Officials are urging people to take a few moments to make sure their heating units have been installed correctly and have been checked by a professional to make sure they are operating properly.

“It is a good practice to have an annual inspection conducted by a reputable expert on all fuel-fired heating systems, gas appliances and fireplaces to ensure proper combustion and ventilation, said Michael Aswad, Broome County’s Fire Coordinator and Emergency Services Director. “All of these units are acceptable heating sources but if used or installed improperly or not maintained, deadly fires can result.”

Creosote is a substance contained in smoke, which collects on chimney linings and wood-burning stovepipes and may start a fire if allowed to build up. To prevent creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires, and have chimneys checked and cleaned annually by a reputable firm.

To reduce the risk of fire, keep a screen around the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying into the room. In addition, keep children away from the fireplace, and make sure the fire is out before going to bed. Gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, or other fuels should never be used to light or re-light a fire, since explosion can result.

"Improper use of space heaters is another major fire concern. If you must use a space heater, be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions," Aswad said. “All heating devices should be placed on floor surfaces protected by sheet metal, concrete or stone. Protective floor surfaces should extend at least 18 inches beyond the heating source in all directions. Stoves and space heaters should be at least three feet from walls that can burn, and at least 18 inches from protected walls. Curtains, curtain and blind cords, and other flammable items should be well away from the heating source.”

Other safety measures to follow include.

• Keep plenty of sand or a fire extinguisher near the heating device.
• Make sure smoke detectors are installed throughout your home. Periodically test their batteries to make sure they are working.
• Develop and practice an escape plan from all areas of your home, with your family.
• Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated area, away from any flame source and out of reach of children.
• Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot, before turning on the gas, to prevent gas buildup.

"Carbon monoxide is another potentially deadly result if fuels, such as oil, gasoline, kerosene, wood or charcoal are burned improperly,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director, of the Broome County Health Department. “You can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, but at very high levels it can kill a person in minutes."

"When appliances that burn fuel are properly installed, used and maintained, the amount of carbon monoxide produced is usually very low. However, people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances," she said.

The most common sources of carbon monoxide in the home include a leaking or clogged chimney pipe or flue, malfunctioning furnace, cracked heat exchanger, corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe, poorly vented fireplace, un-vented clothes dryer, or improperly installed kitchen range or portable heater. Outside the home, an idling motor vehicle in an enclosed area is the most dangerous source of carbon monoxide. Using a barbecue grill in an enclosed area is another danger.

Infants, the elderly, people with anemia or heart or lung disease, and even unborn babies can be especially susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it binds to hemoglobin, the substance in the blood that carries oxygen. As the level of carbon monoxide rises, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases.

The first signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like symptoms, such as dizziness, weariness and nausea. Symptoms get worse as the carbon monoxide concentration rises and may include loss of muscle control, sleepiness, reddening of the skin, confusion and unconsciousness.

"If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, leave the building, and get fresh air immediately. Go to a health care provider, and ask your utility company or local fire department to check the carbon monoxide levels," said Ms. Edwards.

Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning or other common illnesses, you may not think that carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause. Ask yourself if you are being exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide. Did your headaches start when you started using the furnace? Or, when you closed all the windows in the fall? Do you wake up with a headache and nausea every morning, but go to work and feel better.

To protect against carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have all fuel-burning appliances - including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves - inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that vents and pipes are properly connected, and that flues and chimneys are in good condition and not blocked.
• Read and follow all instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device.
• Don't idle a vehicle in a garage, even if the garage door is open.
• Don't sleep in any room with an un-vented gas or kerosene space heater.
• Don't use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

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