[emo-news] NEW YORKERS WARNED OF DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

NEWS from SEMO
 


NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE
 


1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22, Albany ,
 NY 12226-2251
 

  
 



Eliot Spitzer,
Governor                                                                                
John R. Gibb, Director
 




  
 

  
 

                       
Media Contact:
 

Dennis
Michalski                                                         
FOR RELEASE:
 

(518)
292-2310                                                          
IMMEDIATE, Thursday
 

CA at semo.state.ny.us                                                 
October 25, 2007
 

  
 

  
 

NEW
YORKERS WARNED OF DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
 

Citizens
urged to “Be Prepared” for challenges of winter months ahead
 

  
 

As colder
weather becomes the norm in the Northeast, John R. Gibb, Director
of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), today encouraged New Yorkers to make sure their home
heating systems are working to ensure their safety throughout the winter
heating season to avoid the perils of carbon monoxide poisoning.   
 

  
 

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly
killer that claims about 1,000 lives each year in the
 United States ,” Gibb said.
“There are some simple common sense steps New Yorkers should take to
protect themselves and loved ones over the coming winter months.”
 

  
 

The Director issued this
advice to combat carbon monoxide poisoning as part of SEMO’s annual
winter preparedness message in advance of
 New York State ’s
observance of Winter Weather Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday, October
28, through November 3.
 

  
 

Carbon
monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by such common items
as home heating systems, obstructed chimneys and automotive exhaust. The gas
can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills
and other cooking and heating items when used improperly during the winter
months.  
 

  
 

“Have
a professional check out the furnace, woodstove and chimney to ensure that they
are in good working order,” Gibb advised. “Make sure the flue is
clear.  Never run generators indoors and open a window slightly when using
a kerosene heater.”
 

  
 

He
also said that people should never use charcoal to cook indoors and never use a
gas oven to heat the residence.
 

  
 

“Most
importantly, make sure that you have carbon monoxide, smoke and heat detectors
properly installed in your home and test the batteries,” he said. The
Director pointed out that the changing of the clocks on November 4 for the end
of Daylight Saving Time is the perfect occasion to put new batteries in both
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
 

  
 

The
SEMO Director also urged New Yorkers to have their motor vehicles thoroughly
inspected before the start of the winter driving season, including their
exhaust systems.  “As the weather turns colder, never run a motor
vehicle in a closed garage,” he said.  
 

           

 

Symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. Gibb
said that if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get
to a hospital.
 

  
 

Referring to the Western
New York ice storm and the lake-effect snows in Central
 New York that occurred last winter, Gibb reminded New Yorkers that
winter storms can come at any time and not to wait for the official start of
winter on December 22.
 

  
 

“That’s why
it makes sense to prepare ourselves, our homes and our vehicles for winter
now,” he said.  “And that includes changing our mindset that
we need to slow down on the road and drive according to the weather
conditions.”
 

  
 

Gibb urged citizens to
develop an emergency plan for home and at work, know who to call and where to
go in case of emergency, prepare a portable cache of emergency supplies, and
“winterize” their vehicles.
 

  
 

He advised citizens to be
aware of local weather conditions by listening to local television and radio
stations or the NOAA Weather Radio and then plan activities accordingly.
 

  
 

“Motorists should
drive with extreme care during the winter,” Gibb said.  “When
severe weather is forecast, stay at home unless you absolutely have to
drive.  If you must go out, plan your stops, clean the vehicle completely
of snow and ice, and always match your speed to road conditions.”
 

  
 

Finally, he emphasized
that winter is especially challenging for the elderly and physically
disabled.  “Keep an eye on your neighbor and be prepared to lend a
helping hand,” he said.  “With a bit of planning and by using
some common sense, this winter will be safer and more enjoyable for
everyone.”
 

  
 

For more information on
how individuals can be better prepared for emergencies and for winter safety
tips, visit the SEMO website at www.semo.state.ny.us.
 

  
 

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