[emo-news] Residents urged to safely use alternate heat sources

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

NEWS from SEMO and OFPC 
 
NEW YORKSTATEEMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT OFFICE
          1220 Washington Avenue , Building 22, Albany , NY 1 2226-225 1
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF
FIRE PREVENTION & CONTROL
                     99 Washington Avenue, Suite 500 , Albany , NY 1 223 1
 
Floyd A. Madison,
Fire Administrator       David
A. Paterson, Governor             John
R. Gibb, SEMO Director
 
                Media Contact:
Dennis
Michalski                                                         
FOR RELEASE:
(5 1 8)
292-23 1 0                                                          
IMMEDIATE, Friday
CA at semo.state.ny.us                                                 
October 24, 2008
 
 
NEW
YORKERS URGED TO SAFELY USE ALTERNATIVE HEAT SOURCES
Citizens
urged to “Be Prepared” for challenges of winter months ahead
 
As the
heating season kicks into high gear with the approaching cold winter weather,
John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management
Office (SEMO), and State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison of the Office of
Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today urged New Yorkers to think safety first, especially when it comes
to using alternative heating sources to combat the rising cost of heating
fuels.
 
“Many
residents may turn to using kerosene heaters, and wood or pellet stoves or fire
up the fireplace that hasn’t been used in years to cut down on heating
costs,” Gibb said. “When it comes to heaters and stoves, people
should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these devices
are properly installed.  They should be properly vented.  They also
should have their fireplace examined by a professional, including their chimney
flues to ensure there is no build-up of creosote which is a common cause of chimney
fires.”
 
“Most heating related fires can be
easily prevented.” said Madison .
“The senseless loss of life and property resulting from heating fires can
be avoided by simply identifying potential hazards and following proper
maintenance procedures.”
 
The officials
issued this advice as part of New York  State ’s annual winter
preparedness message in advance of New York State ’s
observance of Winter Weather Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday, October
26, through November 1 .  
 
“Think
safety first,” Gibb said, noting that rising fuel costs are forcing many
people to search for alternate means of heating their residences and
buildings.  He also encouraged New Yorkers to make sure their home heating
systems are working to ensure they are as fuel-efficient and safe as possible
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.”
 
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.  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.
 
The
SEMO Director also advised that generators should never be run indoors and to
open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.  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 working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
properly installed in your home,” Madison said, pointing out that
the changing of the clocks on November 2 for the end of Daylight Saving Time is
the perfect occasion to check both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace
their batteries if needed.
 
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.  
 
Gibb also reminded New
Yorkers that winter storms can come at any time and not to wait for the
official start of winter on December 2 1 .
 
“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. The
best way to get emergency information, Gibb said, is from NY-ALERT, the
State’s all-hazards alert and notification system. To subscribe to this
free service, visit www.nyalert.gov. 
 
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.
And for more information about fire safety, visit the OFPC website at www.dos.state.ny.us/fire .
 
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