During winter months, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning increases dramatically. Your home is closed up tightly during the winter and you also run your heating system, which is probably a fuel burning system that emits carbon monoxide. Here are some carbon monoxide home safety tips to keep in mind.
Inspect Heating Systems
On an annual basis, it’s a good idea to get your heating system cleaned and inspected. This can help detect problems early or prevent problems to begin with. Malfunctioning systems are a common cause of carbon monoxide problems.
Maintain Ventilation
All fuel burning heating systems have a ventilation pipe that leads outside. This is how carbon monoxide gases are released safely. The pipe may go up through your roof or out through a basement wall. Make sure you know where this pipe is. If it is located in a low lying area, you must keep that area clear during snow storms. Snow buildup around the pipe could block airflow and push carbon monoxide gas back into your home.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Massachusetts law requires that all residences be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors may be batter operated or plug into an electrical outlet. They should be placed outside every sleeping area of your home. This will alert you in case of dangerous carbon monoxide levels in your home. Since carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, these detectors are a critical safety precaution. Having working detectors is the most of the critical carbon monoxide safety tips to follow.
What to Do in Case of CO Danger
If your carbon monoxide detectors alert you or you otherwise suspect that carbon monoxide gas is present in your home, exit the home immediately. Contact the local fire department for assistance. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly and you should take all potential problems seriously. We hope that these carbon monoxide home safety tips help keep your family safe this winter.
Saving Money on MA Homeowners Insurance