Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Precautions Carbon Monoxide is commonly known as “the silent killer”. Because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless, none of your senses can detect it. CO claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their homes each year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CO is a potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters. The Canton Fire Dept. in conjunction with the home safety council offers the following guidelines to help keep your family safe.

• Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems; fireplaces and wood stoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.
• Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Never use a gas log or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
• Portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect. Follow usage directions closely.

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  Christmas Tree Safety

  • Cut your own tree or buy a fresh one that’s not shedding its needles.
  • Cut the trunk at an angle and install the tree in a large, deep non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources.
  • Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water and check water level daily.
  • If your tree dries out, remove it promptly and store away from your home until you can dispose of it.
  • If you use an artificial tree, be sure it’s flame-retardant.

    For more information about home heating safety contact the Canton Fire Department or go to The Home Safety Council

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  Kitchen

  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Maintain electric and gas stoves in good operating condition.
  • Move the handles of pots and pans containing hot liquids away from the front of the stove.
  • Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

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  Bathroom

  • Disconnect hot appliances such as curling irons and electric irons when done; store in a safe location until cool.
  • Keep flammable items, such as towels, away from wall and floor heaters.

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  Bedrooms or Offices
  

  • Install a smoke detector in every bedroom or office.Canton fire department will replace old batteries if notified.
  • Turn off electric blankets and other electric appliances such as computers or electronics when not in use.

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  Living Room
  

  • Install a screen on your fireplace.
  • Store the ashes from your fireplace (and barbecue) in a noncombustible container and dispose of when cold.
  • Clean fireplace chimneys and flues at least once a year.

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  Hallways
  

  • Install smoke detectors between living and sleeping or office areas.
  • Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year when clocks are changed in the spring and fall.
  • Make sure that electrical outlets are designed to handle appliance loads.
  • Install child safety plugs (caps) on electrical outlets.
  • Replace electrical cords that do not work properly, have loose connections, or are frayed.
  • Properly store flammable liquids in approved containers and away from ignition sources such as pilot lights.

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  Garage or Workshop
  

  • Mount a fire extinguisher in the garage.
  • Have tools such as a shovel, hoe, rake, and bucket available for use in a wild land fire emergency.
  • Install a solid door with self-closing hinges between living areas and the garage.
  • Dispose of oily rags in metal containers.
  • Store all combustibles away from ignition sources, such as water heaters.
  • Disconnect electrical tools and appliances when not in use. Allow hot tools such as glue guns and soldering irons to cool before storing.

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  Government Safety Tip Links
  

  • FireSafety
    
  • U.S.Fire Administration