Recognizing the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has preemptively offered free in-home safety checks for gas appliances. As colder months near, consumers are being encouraged to utilize these inspections, improving the safety and efficiency of gas appliances and aiding in the avoidance of CO poisoning, an odorless, invisible danger, according to the Town of Fairfax.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that unintentional CO poisoning leads to over 400 American deaths annually and results in more than 100,000 emergency room visits. Additionally, this year PG&E has already responded to over 6,100 suspected CO incidents. These alarming numbers underscore the need for preventative actions, especially as the demand for indoor heating appliances grows in the colder months.
Joe Forline, PG&E's Senior Vice President of Gas Operations, emphasizes that the successful prevention of harmful CO levels hinges on appliances operating safely. Water heaters and other natural gas appliances should have proper ventilation as they could otherwise contribute to the increase of dangerous CO levels within the home.
To arrange an inspection, customers are to go to www.pge.com/pilotlights or call 800-743-5000. With a free and user-friendly appointment option available, the wait time to be compared with traditional customer service lines is significantly reduced.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout homes, particularly in common areas, near sleeping quarters, and on each floor is crucial. In California, there are laws requiring single-family homes to have appropriate CO detectors installed. Detectors should be tested semi-annually, with batteries replaced as needed, and the expiration date regularly checked as most have a lifespan of five to seven years.
Products that can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters should not be used indoors. Also, caution should be exercised to avoid using cooking appliances, like ovens or stoves, for home heating.
For those using fireplaces to stay warm, it's crucial to ensure the flue is open allowing safe venting through the chimney. Most importantly, PG&E's initiative promoting free gas appliance safety checks and pilot re-lights serves as a significant reminder of each household's role in maintaining appliance safety and averting unnecessary hazards.
