(KAIR)--With cooler weather starting to effect the local area, many people may be turning up the heat with a variety of fuel burning appliances. However, many of these devices, including furnaces, space heaters, and fireplaces can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up in the home.
According to Atchison Fire Chief Mike McDermed, the gas is harmful because it is very difficult to detect because it is odorless and colorless. Also, the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu. So you may not know that you are exposed to the gas since most exposures occur in the winter months when a lot of people are coming down with the flu.
McDermed says that proper use of appliances is one way to decrease the chance of carbon monoxide building up to dangerous levels. If you are using an appliance indoors that can give off carbon monoxide, you must ensure that it is properly ventalated to the outside. He also recommends that you have all appliaces serviced regularly to make sure they are working properly.
McDermed futher advises people to have a working carbon monixide detector in their home. He says you should have one on each level, and make sure that you follow the manufacterer's recomendations as far as placement.
If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide problem , McDermed says you can call 911 and the fire department will come to your home to conduct a throrough check.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
One injured in Jeff Co collision
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Former KS AG files for Congress
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
LATEST STORIES
Kansans, Moran, honor fallen on Memorial Day
HCF Match Day event raises more than $230K
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident