News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Sunday is carbon monoxide awareness day.
Jackson County Central Fire Department Chief Jeff Conn said the gas is odorless, colorless and dangerous if you do not take the right precautions at your home.
“It can be harmful in small doses over a long period of time or big doses in a short period of time,” Conn said. “It is common in every house especially if you have natural gas.”
Conn said leaving your car running in a garage and using a generator indoors can be deadly. Conn said the gas can build up in an unventilated room before a person ever realizes.
“An instance that I know of that has happened in the past is when heating a house is difficult,” Conn said. “I’ve seen a propane barbecue pit used to heat a house, and the fumes from the propane can be deadly and kill somebody over night if used in a confined space.”
Conn said with colder weather approaching, it is especially important to remember what items make the gas. Conn said he recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
“Near every bedroom at every level is recommended,” Conn said. “If it goes off and you’re not feeling sick it’s good to check the batteries. If the batteries are good and it goes off, you need to get out of the house and call 9-1-1. Most fire departments carry gas detectors and can find the problem pretty quick.”
