Islip Town Urges Carbon Monoxide Safety As Temperatures Expected to Plummet
Islip, NY - February 13th, 2015 - With further winter weather and frigid temperatures being predicted over the next several days, the Islip Town Board urges residents to be extremely mindful of proper carbon monoxide (CO) safety measures. Safety precautions can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and potentially save lives. Islip officials also emphasize the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in dwellings, citing a recent incident in Bay Shore, where nearly a dozen individuals suffered carbon monoxide exposure and needed to be relocated from their homes.
Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron commended the Town’s Fire Prevention Division for its decision to outfit fire marshals with individual carbon monoxide detectors. This initiative was instrumental in detecting carbon monoxide levels at a Bay Shore dwelling, where Fire Marshal Michael Ippolito responded to an unrelated call. When his device activated, Fire Marshal Ippolito notified the local fire department, which upon arrival and inspection, confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide. These devices have proven successful on at least three separate occasions since fire marshals began wearing them in 2014.
“Fortunately, because of this essential device and Fire Marshal Ippolito’s quick thinking and response, a potentially tragic situation was avoided and lives were saved,” said Flotteron.
Carbon Monoxide detectors are required by State code in all residences where there are fuel-fired appliances and equipment, solid-fuel burning appliances and equipment, fireplaces, or motor-vehicle-related occupancies are located within the structure.
When warming up your car, make certain you are out of an enclosed space – opening a garage door does not provide enough ventilation. Also, during periods of snowfall, ensure that the exhaust pipe of your vehicle is not clogged with snow. In the event of snow, also make sure that vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are clear of snow build-up.
“Kerosene heaters, generators, and other household appliances can all increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly when vents become blocked by snow,” noted Councilman Anthony Senft, Jr. "This is an issue that should be taken very seriously, because many carbon monoxide-related accidents and deaths can be easily prevented.”
Similar to smoke detectors, it is recommended that carbon monoxide detectors are tested at least once per month. If the alarm begins to sound, call 911 immediately. For information about carbon monoxide safety, check out the National Fire Protection Association's Carbon Monoxide Safety tips.