Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy announced that there are still thirty remaining carbon monoxide detectors available for distribution at his district office. Legislator Kennedy's office has already given out over 50 detectors as a result of safety concerns triggered from Erie County's recent storm.

"Our concerns grew as more people turned to generators and indoor heating alternatives to keep warm," Kennedy said, "Unfortunately there was a loss of life because they were not aware of the presence and danger of this silent killer."

You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide (CO). It is an invisible, colorless, odorless, potentially dangerous gas. It is produced when fuel (heating oil, propane, kerosene, charcoal, gasoline, wood or natural gas) is burned without enough air for complete combustion. If there is insufficient air flow, CO can increase to dangerous levels.

Carbon monoxide can be emitted by woodstoves, gas stoves, leaky fireplaces and furnaces, chimneys, un-vented kerosene and gas space heaters, water heaters, generators, tobacco smoke, and automobile exhaust from attached garages.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include fatigue, irregular breathing, headache, overall paleness, weakness, coughing, disorientation, nausea, dizziness, and chest pain.

In the event that you experience the symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately open all windows and doors to ventilate your home. Then call 911 or your local fire department and get outside into fresh air. Later, have all your appliances carefully checked by a qualified heating contractor.

You can protect yourself and your family by following these helpful tips: Get a qualified specialist to inspect your appliances and heating system every year. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. Have all chimneys and flues cleaned every year. Make sure your fireplace or gas appliances are adequately vented. Do not use a kerosene heater in the home without adequate ventilation. Never run an automobile or gasoline engine in an enclosed space (attached garage). Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

"I hope we have communicated how important it is to be aware of this silent killer," Kennedy said, "There has already been to many lives lost as a result of unawareness. I urge everyone to be cautious and always take extra precautions to ensure your safety."

Legislator Kennedy's district office is located at 1928 South Park Avenue and can be reached at 824-6180.

Back to District 2 Homepage