DETECTING DANGERS IN YOUR HOME

STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD TO KEEP YOU SAFE

Carlisle Township Fire Department received delivery and training Wednesday morning of two brand new Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Terry Terlak of ProAm Safety said the new detectors are used not only for Carbon Monoxide (CO) in homes but also for explosive gases at fire scenes. “With this detector Firefighters will be able to test pipelines to see if gas is leaking or test to see if there are other toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide in the home, as well as Carbon Monoxide.”

Terlak explains for us just what Carbon Monoxide is and why it’s dangerous. “Carbon Monoxide is a gas that occurs when burning takes place and the burning is not completely done chemically, there is some oxygen that is still bonded with carbon, which is a toxic gas. It’s odorless, it’s invisible so it’s not detectable, but it can cause a person to get a headache, to get sick or even to die if there is enough of it present.”

Terlak said that it is critically important for people to have detectors in their homes and to make sure that their chimney systems and water heater chimney systems are all working correctly and not leaking any of the exhaust gas.

Chief Russ Gardner of the Carlisle Township Fire Department said that detectors should be placed in the living quarters of the home. “Just one for the house would be fine. Carbon Monoxide has the same density as air so it doesn’t stay low or high it’s mixed in the air, it’s everywhere. I also encourage people that if they have any of the symptoms, headaches, flu like symptoms or you have any question about it you should call your local Fire Department and they will come out and check your house for CO” Chief Gardner said that if Firefighters detect CO in your home they should be able to locate the source as well.

Lieutenant Randy Feakins of the Carlisle Township Fire Department suggested having your furnace checked regularly also. “A lot of times the combustion chamber of the furnace will crack and you won’t know it so it’s good to have your furnace checked at least once a year. Fire Places, ventless gas heaters and kerosene heaters also need to be properly maintained as well.”

For those of you who are avid readers of “Sundays with Jason”, you will remember that this past Sunday he suggested CO Detectors, Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers as possible Christmas presents. Chief Gardner & Terlak say that is not only a great idea, but could be a life saving idea.


To read more about Carbon Monoxide: CLICK HERE

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: CLICK HERE