Customizable Carbon Monoxide Press Release

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For more information, contact (Your PIO's Name and Telephone Number)

AS TEMPERATURES DROP, CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CONCERNS RISE
The (Town/City Fire Department) Joins First Alert and the Home Safety Council to Promote Safe Home Heating Practices

(DATE) – The (Town/City Fire Department) is joining forces with First Alert and the national nonprofit Home Safety Council to promote safe heating practices that can help families protect against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risks this winter. With many (Town/City) residents feeling the strain of the current economy, safety experts are concerned families may not invest in good preventive maintenance of home appliances or may turn to alternative sources of heat in effort to keep their home heating costs low. Both practices increase the risk of deadly CO poisoning.

CO is an invisible and odorless gas produced by fuel-burning equipment, like furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide from cars and other vehicles can also enter the living spaces of homes through an attached garage, even if the door is open.

According to the Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America™ report, 67 percent of American households use fuel-burning appliances and equipment that can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates an average of 21,000 CO exposures occur each year, resulting in the death of nearly 450 people.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by having fuel-burning appliances inspected and cleaned by professionals, and by carefully backing your vehicle out of an attached garage before warming it up," said (Your Contact Name and Title).

In addition to good preventive maintenance and general safe heating practices, it's essential that every home with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage have at least one carbon monoxide alarm. "CO alarms are the only way to let you know there are dangerous levels of this deadly gas in your home, so that you can get your family to fresh air and safety," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. "Unfortunately, according to First Alert research, only about 40 percent of households have at least one CO alarm."

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Precautions

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home near the area where you family sleeps.
• The CO alarm will warn you if there is too much CO in your home.
• Know the sound your CO alarm makes if there is too much CO in your home.
• If the CO alarm sounds, go outside quickly.
• Call 9-1-1. Your fire department will find out what caused the alarm to sound. The fire department will let you know when it is safe to go back inside.
• Insert customized tip with your fire department's local number and the procedure you recommend residents of your town follow.

Use Home Heating Equipment Properly

• CO can build up in your home if you use equipment and appliances that burn fuel but are not working properly.
• Examples of equipment and appliances that may cause CO to build up in your home include: gas or oil-burning furnace, gas water heater, gas or kerosene burning heater, gas oven or stove, fireplace or wood stove.
• Have a service person check these things every year to be sure they are working properly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home's central heating system and repair leaks or other problems.
• Use the oven only for cooking. Never use an oven or range to heat your home.
• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.
• Portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow carbon monoxide to collect. Follow usage directions closely.
• Never run a car or any other motor in your home or the garage – even with the door open. For more information on home heating alternatives and ways to stay safe in and around the home, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org or www.firstalert.com.