From Alternative Home Heating Sources (NAPSA)—With temperatures dropping and homestightly insulated against one of the coldest HomeHeating Costs 1999-2001 winters/early springs on record, many homeowners may be turning to alternative heating sources to heat their homes—with poten- tially disastrous results. Although you think you are saving money, keeping warm using alternative heating sources such as stoves, ct cook tops, fireplaces, kerosene space heaters, even clothes dryers can result in deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. 90% So hazardous is the situation that the U.S. Consumer Product HomeHeating Costs Winter 1999-2000 that calls for “a carbon monoxide it is invisible to the human senses, CO can overcome even a robust adult in only minutes. They quickly can face coma, per- manent brain damage, and if not rescued, ultimately—death. In fact, CO poisoning claims 2,100 lives yearly, more than any other “ll Increase Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a consumer alert alarm for every home.” Particularly dangerous because ll HomeHeating Costs Winter 2000-2001 @ Source: First Alert With costs for home heating increasing nearly 50 percent over last year during one of the coldest winters on record, many Americans may be turning to alternative heating sources—some that are potentially dangerous for CO poisoning. poison, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association; tem, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified techniclan every year. never leave your car, mower or other vehicle running in an have even one alarm, according to industrystatistics. Taking some basic steps to alternative energy sources that run on fossil fuel (stoves, cook tops, kerosene space heaters, First Alert, a leading manufacturer of home safety products, advises that if your alarm should home. never ignore it. The early warning yet only 27 percent of U.S. homes reduce your family’s risk of CO poisoning this winter and early spring mayvirtually save yourlife if you should encounter CO, the “Silent Killer.” Install a UL listed carbon monoxide detector on every level of the house, especially outside sleeping areas. Make surefossilfuel burning appliances are installed properly and working according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Have your home heating sys- e Never use ovens or other even clothes dryers) to heat your Never burn charcoal inside your house, even in the fireplace. e Have your gas fireplace inspected each fall to be sure the pilot light burns safely and other elements are in working order. Keep chimneysclear of bird or squirrel nests, leaves and residue to insure proper venting. Never operate gasoline-pow- ered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements and attached garage, even with the door open. sound a warning, you should is just that—early. Without knowing how serious the leak is, you should never ignore the alarm. Never. For a free brochure on the carbon monoxide hazard and how to protect your family, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to First Alert, Carbon Monoxide Brochure Offer, 3145 MacArthur Blvd., Suite C, Northbrook, IL 60062;or log onto www.firstalert.com.
