Home Energy Safety
Many people are reducing home heating and cooling costs by weatherizing or tightening up their homes. When combined with source control and mechanical ventilation, tight homes provide the greatest opportunity for comfort,economy,and good health. However, if homes are not equipped for controlling and removing indoor air pollutants, indoor air quality problems may result.
Combustion appliances should be installed in an area isolated from the living area, such as a utility room. Make-up air from outside the building should be supplied to ensure adequate air for combustion and to prevent exhaust gases from blowing back into living areas. Unvented gas and kerosene heaters emit combustion gases into the indoor air. These devices are prohibited in any residence in New York City and in buildings with three or more residences in New York State. Adequate ventilation must be provided at all times and extensive use of these devices should be avoided. Gas stoves should not be used for home heating, and cars should not be idled in garages.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from burning any fuel. At low levels, it can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher levels, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Very high levels can cause death.
Sources of CO
Unvented or improperly vented kerosene or gas space heaters, unvented hot water heaters, wood or coal stoves, unvented gas ranges, improperly operating gas or oil furnaces, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke are potential sources of carbon monoxide in the home.
Health Effect
Carbon monoxide is absorbed through the lungs into the blood, where it interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. At low levels, it can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher levels, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Very high levels can cause death.
Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Dioxide
Nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are also gases formed during combustion. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, and high levels can cause shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause lung damage and chronic lung disease. Longterm exposure to lower levels of nitrogen dioxide may increase the frequency of respiratory illness. People with respiratory illnesses such as asthma are more susceptible to the effects of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Children may also be more susceptible to health effects from these chemicals.
Sources of Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Dioxide
Gas and oil furnaces, gas hot water heaters, and gas dryers that have not been properly serviced are potential sources of Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Also, Flues and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected to reduce the risk of exposure.
Fireplace Safety
More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels. Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.
For more fireplace tips, please see the U.S. Fire Administration's Web site.
Propane
Propane fuel is a clean, portable, efficient fuel source but certain precautions are necessary to assure safe and successful use. Propane fuel is stored under pressure and is safe while in storage but it is a flammable, hazardous material and must be used properly to avoid explosions or fire.
Propane is naturally an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas. For safely reasons, a ‘rotten egg’ smell has been added to the fuel as a safety feature to alert people to its presence. Sometimes the added odor may be difficult to detect. This is particularly true for the elderly, people who have colds or sinus congestion, and those whose homes have other heavy odors in the air.
This smell can fade under certain situations such as when the valves are left open when the container is empty and air or water gets into the tank. Know where your shut-off valve is located and how to shut it off. Always shut the valve when the tank is not in use.
If You Smell A Fuel Leak:
- Immediately evacuate and call the fire department. Do not remain in your home and try to identify the leak yourself.
- Never place your head near or directly over the valves on your storage tank.
- Don't assume that the smell of propane is because the tank is low.
- Do not light a match, use the telephone indoors, unplug appliances, or turn light switches on or off.
- Walk out of your home, don’t run, to avoid creating static electricity.
- Shut off the gas supply using the shut-off valve outside on the tank or cylinder.
- Stay outside the building until told to re-enter by safety authorities.
Propane information courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Generator Safety
Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are faced with a temporary loss of electric service.
Follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator:
1. Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
2. Run generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generators exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
3. Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
4. Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
5. Keep children away from generators at all times.