Consumers Energy Offers Lifesaving Tips to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As leaves change color and cooler fall temperatures signal the start-up of furnaces across Michigan, Consumers Energy urges residents to protect themselves against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The toxic gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and can be produced when home appliances aren't operating or venting properly.

Gov. Rick Snyder has declared Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week in Michigan. The governor's declaration serves as a reminder for residents to take preventive measures and learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, which is why Consumers Energy is helping to raise awareness so families can protect themselves from this invisible killer," said Michele Kirkland, vice president of energy operations for Consumers Energy. "Most poisonings occur between November and February when homes and businesses are being heated by various fuel sources, so now is the time to take action to stay safe," she said. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels, including oil, propane, natural gas, coal, wood, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel and charcoal. Deadly amounts of carbon monoxide can be produced by defective or poorly vented appliances that use these fuels, such as furnaces, fireplaces and wood stoves, as well as water heaters, generators and vehicles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 5,149 deaths from unintentional CO poisoning between 1999 and 2010 in the U.S.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu, and include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and stinging or burning of the eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause disorientation, convulsions, unconsciousness and ultimately death.  

The best defense against carbon monoxide problems is to install an audible carbon monoxide detector that meets or exceeds Underwriters Laboratory standards and will sound if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present in a home or building. "There's no doubt that audible alarm CO detectors save lives, and they are just as important to have in residences and other buildings as smoke detectors," Kirkland noted.

Another way to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning is to make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and maintained. Furnaces should be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician. Finally, venting on furnaces, water heaters and chimneys should be inspected periodically to be sure that animal nests or other debris do not interfere with proper ventilation.

Those who use equipment such as lawn and snow blowers or generators should never leave them running in an enclosed area such as a garage. Cars should also never be left running in a garage.

If you suspect there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home, you should evacuate all people and pets immediately, move to fresh air, and call 911.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConsumersEnergyMichigan and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ConsumersEnergy.

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LEARN MORE: For more natural gas and electric safety information, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com/safety.

SOURCE Consumers Energy

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