BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Fire Department would like to to remind all residents to remember the following points during this heating season to help protect themselves and to prevent needless deaths and injuries:
• Carbon monoxide safety: Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of
carbon monoxide.
Install photoelectric smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, and replace smoke and CO alarm batteries as needed. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department for assistance from a safe location.
• Heating safety: Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Never use your oven to heat your home.
Install heating equipment in accordance with codes and manufacturer's instructions. It's best to have a professional install the equipment. Unvented room heaters and unvented fireplaces shall not be used in any building or structure.
• Storm safety: Winter can bring prolonged power outages. Have an emergency and safety plan in place to provide for food, heat and water.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up. During power outages, a generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
For more information or any questions, contact the Brattleboro Fire Department at 802-254-4831.