Health, Home Maintenance, WARNINGS, RECALLS & ETC

KEEPING SAFE THIS WINTER


Remain vigilant about safety in and around the home this winter. Here are three winter hazards to keep in mind.

First, Carbon Monoxide – The Invisible Killer

  • Use portable generators outside your home and place them at least 20 feet away from the residence with exhaust pointed away from spaces where it can gather and present a hazard. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage. The exhaust from portable generators contains poisonous carbon monoxide (CO), which can kill in minutes. 
  • Most portable generator-related deaths from CO poisoning occur during the cold months. 
  • Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
  • Install CO alarms in your home on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Test CO alarms monthly. 
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Second, Space Heaters – Give Them Space

  • Your space heater needs space. Keep flammable objects, such as curtains, sofas, beds, clothes and papers at least 3 feet away from your space heater at all times.
  • Make sure your space heater is placed on a stable, level, flat surface in an area where it can’t be knocked over.
  • Turn off space heaters when you are sleeping, or when you leave the room. 
  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, outside all sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Test smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working.

Third, Snow Blower Hazards – Clear Snow Safely 

  • Most snow blower injuries happen when consumers try to clear snow from the discharge chute with their hands.
  • NEVER leave a gas-powered snow blower running in an enclosed area. The exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, which can kill in minutes.
  • Don’t add gasoline to a running or hot engine, to avoid a fire; and always keep the gasoline in a portable gasoline container with a child-resistant closure to prevent child poisonings.

One more very important thing… Clear the snow away from your gas meter and away from any pipes around that area.