SACRAMENTO, CA, November 12, 2007 - California Fire Marshal’s Office and Kidde are reminding families about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) - a poisonous gas that may build up in your home this winter.  The organizations are working together during California’s first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which begins November 12th.

Resolved by California legislature this September, CO Awareness Week encourages all schools, fire departments, and other organizations to do their part to educate families about this deadly threat, which often strikes when the weather turns cool.  

“Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is often referred to as the silent killer,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice-president of marketing for Kidde Residential and Commercial, a leading manufacturer of fire safety products.  “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is a perfect time for families to make sure they’re taking the necessary steps to help protect themselves from CO.”

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  State health records show that there were 210 fatal CO poisonings between 1999 and 2004 in California.  In addition, the California Air Resources Board reports that unintentional CO poisoning causes on average between 175 and 700 avoidable emergency room visits every year.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, and can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and disorientation.  Created by fire, carbon monoxide is emitted by common household fuel-burning appliances such as a furnace, water heater, fireplace, and stove.  Additional sources may include improperly ventilated generators, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue grills, and car exhaust.
 
“As winter approaches, most Californians begin using some type of indoor heating source,” said California Fire Marshal Kate Dargan.  “If those heating sources malfunction, carbon monoxide can quickly build up and poison those inside.  Families using any type of fuel-burning appliance or tool should have a device to alert them of dangerous carbon monoxide gas.”

Census data shows that 74 percent of homes in California use some form of fossil fuel – kerosene, gas, etc. – to heat their home.

Experts from Kidde offer these safety tips to help protect your family from CO poisoning:

• Install at least one UL-listed battery-powered CO alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Never leave your car running in an attached garage or carport.
• Never use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Never use charcoal or gas grills inside or operate outdoors near a window where CO fumes could seep in through a window.
• Have a licensed professional inspect heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances annually.
• Install fuel-burning appliances properly and operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Have all fireplaces cleaned and inspected annually.
• Do not block or seal shut the exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
• Check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Do they use the most accurate sensing technology?  Do they need new batteries?
• Replace CO alarms every seven years to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

To learn more about how carbon monoxide poisoning and safety or for additional information on CO Awareness Week, visit www.knowaboutco.com.

As the world’s largest fire safety manufacturer, Kidde’s mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For 90 years, Kidde’s residential and commercial division has offered superior fire safety technology in its smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life-safety products.  Based in Mebane, N.C., Kidde is part of UTC Fire & Security, a division of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX).  UTC Fire & Security is a leading global supplier of fire safety and security services, serving government, industrial, commercial and retail industries.

Contact:

Heather Caldwell
heather.caldwell@kiddeus.com
919.304.8319