Cole Cautions Missourians About
the Improper Use of Heating Sources
JEFFERSON CITY, January 17, 2007-As Missourians continue
to suffer from power outages left by the latest winter storm, State
Fire Marshal Randy Cole has learned Missourians are continuing to
use improper heating sources leading to more storm-related fatalities.
After days without power, health and welfare checks
are indicating Missourians are seeking alternate heating sources to
stay warm while utility companies work to restore power after ice,
sleet and snow pelted many counties in Missouri. Cole urges Missourians
without power to seek shelter setup in the affected areas by volunteer
organizations as opposed to using generators or other heating devices
improperly.
All gasoline and diesel generators create carbon monoxide,
a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that inhibits the body’s
ability to absorb oxygen, a condition that can cause serious health
problems, and even death, within a matter of minutes. The first symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning usually include headache, lightheadedness,
dizziness and unexplained sleepiness. Gas and charcoal grills, including
camping stoves, also generate carbon monoxide. These should never
be used indoors.
State Fire Marshal Cole stresses the importance of ensuring a home
has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and testing them monthly
to ensure they’re in working order. The advance warning these
alarms provide can prevent tragedy by giving families enough time
to get out of their house alive.
Tips for winter storm fire safety:
• Use battery operated lanterns or flashlights instead of candles
and oil lamps during power outages.
• Keep generators outside of occupied buildings and never run
a generator in an attached garage.
• Never use fossil fueled (propane, kerosene or heating oil)
space heaters in an enclosed room, these heaters require a well ventilated
area to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
• Keep chimneys, fireplaces and flues clean and never use a
liquid fuel or cardboard to start a fire in a woodstove or fireplace.
• Do not use extension cords to power electric space heaters
or use any electric heater that has the cord frayed, repaired or improperly
replaced.
• Vehicle exhaust fumes contain large quantities of carbon monoxide.
Never run a vehicle in a garage. If you are stuck in a vehicle, make
sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, ice or debris and only run
the engine for short periods to maintain warmth in the vehicle.
For more information about planning for a winter emergency,
you should contact your local emergency officials. The Missouri Department
of Health offers the Ready-in-3 emergency plan guide. It may be accessed
at their website, www.dhss.mo.gov.
For information concerning winter fire safety, contact
your local fire department or the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s
Office at (573)751-2930.