Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention: SDG&E Offers Important Safety Tips

Strategic Insights -

As fall arrives, many SDG&E customers are turning on their natural gas heaters for the first time in months. However, this can be a recipe for disaster if proper precautions are not taken. SDG&E urges its 700,000 natural gas customers to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and take steps to prevent it. "Natural gas furnaces need plenty of air to run safely and efficiently," said Jim Boland, SDG&E's safety manager. "It's not enough for people to switch on their furnaces and assume they'll run safely during the winter."

Key Takeaways:

  • SDG&E reminds natural gas customers to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they turn on their heaters for the first time in months.
  • Natural gas furnaces require sufficient air to run safely and efficiently, and improper ventilation can lead to CO build-up.
  • Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, queasy stomach, and drowsiness, similar to flu-like symptoms.
  • Customers should regularly inspect their heaters, stoves, water heaters, and fireplace logs to ensure they are in good working order and not emitting carbon monoxide.
  • Pilot lights and burner flames should be clear blue, with a slight hint of orange acceptable but a soft yellow flame indicating potential CO production.
  • It is essential to keep chimneys clean and drafting properly, never use cooking appliances or gas logs for heating, and ensure proper ventilation.
  • SDG&E recommends the purchase of an American Gas Association or Underwriters Laboratory-approved carbon monoxide detector that emits an audible alarm.
  • Customers should know what to do in case of a CO detector alarm, including shutting off gas appliances, ventilating the home, and contacting SDG&E at 619-239-7511.

Statistics:

  • 700,000 people in the San Diego area rely on SDG&E for natural gas supplies.
  • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can be produced by natural gas, propane, or other carbon-based fuels when they don't burn properly.
  • SDG&E recommends that customers check their heaters, stoves, water heaters, and fireplace logs regularly to ensure they are in good working order.

Sources:

  • San Diego Gas & Electric press release, October 27, 1995