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Older adults and families urged to be careful while staying warm As the cold winter season brings low temperatures, older adults and families look for ways to stay warm and cut heating costs. The Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services (DAS) is urging them to practice safety when heating their homes. Some tips include checking smoke alarm batteries, keeping electric and kerosene heaters away from flammable materials, and looking for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, a colorless and odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. "We urge older individuals, at risk adults, persons with disabilities, and their families to use safety precautions while keeping warm," said Maria Greene, Director of DAS. To prevent safety hazards, individuals should equip their homes with at least one smoke alarm on each floor and a carbon-monoxide alarm in the hallway near each sleeping area. Develop a fireescape plan before fireoccurs and practice it. Do not use space heaters in wet or moist places such as bathrooms unless specified for that purpose. Water damage or corrosion to heaters can cause shock and firehazards. Do not place the heater close to drapes, beds or other cloth materials. Do not place heaters in elevated positions such as counter tops, and never leave a space heater on while asleep. Fireplaces should have a non-flammable gate or guard in front to shield carpet from sparks. Do not store wood or paper too close to the fireplace. People can reduce their exposure to carbon monoxide by using proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. Use an exhaust fan over gas stoves to vent fumes outdoors and have trained professionals inspect, clean, and tune-up furnaces and chimneys annually. Avoid warming up the car inside the garage.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, http://www. bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide. asp#home, and www.cdc.gov/co/ faqs.htm.
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