AS A NEW SEASON APPROACHES CONCENTRATE ON SAFETY WITH A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT INJURY
As we start to use our heat remember to use heaters safely
Portable heaters
- Keep all sides of the heater at least 3 feet from beds, clothes, curtains, paper, sofas and other flammable items
- Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting and never power the heater with an extension cord of power strip
- Make sure the heater is not near water. NEVER touch it if you are wet
- Place the heater on a stable, level surface, located where it will not be knocked over.
- Never leave the heater operating while unattended or while you are sleeping
- If the heater’s cord of plug is HOT, disconnect the heater and contact an authorized repair person. If any part of the outlet is hot, contact a certified electrician.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO
On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.
How can I prevent CO poisoning?
- Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
- A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
- Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
- Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
We will be spending more time inside so inspect for hazards inside your home
Window -falls and cords
Every year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in falls from windows. To help prevent these tragedies, take the following actions — especially for windows in bedrooms.
Safeguard your windows with window guards or window stops. Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches. Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows. Whenever possible, open windows from the top — not the bottom. Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.
About once a month a young child dies from window cord strangulation
To prevent strangulations from window cord:
- Examine all shades and blinds for exposed cords on the front, side and back of the product
- Use cordless windows in homes with young children.
- If you cannot afford new, cordless window covering, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at 800-506-4636 or at www.windowcoverings.org for a free repair kit to make them safer.
Tap water scalds
The majority of injuries and deaths involving tap water scalds are to the elderly and children under the age of five. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Falls
#1 cause of injury for ER visit by adults 65 and over
Clear floors of loose carpets, cords, and other items you could trip over
Always use the handgrip when using stairs
Install grab bars and slip-resistant surface in the bathroom