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Re-activateLast week's hospitalization of more than a dozen children in Dallas and the recent deaths of seven Kentucky residents illustrate the real dangers of carbon monoxide.
Keep your family safe with the safety measures below as well as this advice.
1. Maintain your gas furnace or other fuel-burning heating appliance, like a wood or pellet stove. Beyond doing the usual maintenance and cleaning, you should check all flues, vents, and chimneys that carry the burned gases for proper operation and signs of corrosion or leaks. Repair or replace the vent system as needed.
2. Be cautious when using a propane- or kerosene-fired space heater or portable generator (see the video for more on using a generator).
3. Install smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old and CO alarms that are more than 5 years old. Check the unit's housing for a manufacturer date if you are not sure of its age.
4. Check your gas-dryer vent for blockages and replace any vinyl tubing with rigid metal ducting. Also seal all joints. A properly vented gas or electric dryer will dry your clothes faster and reduce the chance of a fire.—Gian Trotta
Essential information: Be prepared for any weather emergency.
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