First Alert: Tips to prepare for the Borderland cool down
El Paso, TX- El Paso is not expecting any snow but we are getting ready for our first possible freeze of the season.
As the cool air moves in some areas will see freezing temperatures tomorrow morning. The El Paso Fire Department wants to remind you to take precautions when using heating devices.
As the temperature drops, people fire up their furnaces and that’s nothing to take lightly. ABC-7 reports on carbon monoxide poisonings nearly every year here in the Borderland.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says more than 150 Americans die every year from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning. Carlos Briano with the El Paso Fire Department stresses the importance of hiring a professional to inspect heater for carbon monoxide leaks.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is similar to flu like symptoms it could feel like it’s the flu with the exception of the fever. It’s important to check heaters furnace chimney prior to using them”.
The El Paso Fire Department also wants to remind residents to keep the heater three feet away from drapes, furniture or other flammable materials.
Place the heater on a level surface away from areas where someone might bump it and knock it over. Do not use an extension cord. Plug your electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity.
Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep. Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment vents to the outside to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide and that the vents are well sealed. Briones says your best bet is to buy a carbon monoxide detector.
