Cooler weather is here. Take these safety steps for heating enclosed spaces and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning:
These tips are especially important for western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Avoid using fuel sources and appliances damaged by the storm.
Safe Practices for Wood-Burning Stoves
Properly installed, correctly used wood-burning appliances should generate very little smoke. If you regularly see or smell smoke, you may have a problem.
Reduce smoke inside and outside your home:
- Do not burn materials that can release harmful and toxic chemicals or damage your stove:
- Household trash (including cardboard, plastics, foam, magazines, boxes and wrappers)
- Certain types of wood:
- Coated wood
- Painted wood
- Pressure-treated wood
- Driftwood
- Plywood
- Particle board
- Wood with any glue on it
- Wet or green wood
- Rotted or moldy wood
- Asbestos
- Rubber
- Manure
- Animal remains
- What to burn: Try to burn mainly dry, split, well-seasoned wood. Properly seasoned wood is darker, weighs less and sounds hollow when hit against another piece of wood. You can also use branches, sticks or limbs from fallen trees that are off the ground.
- Use a starter. Start fires with newspaper, dry kindling or all-natural fire starters. Never start a fire in a wood-burning stove with gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter.
- Keep flammable items away. Maintain a safe distance between stoves and other items. Keep curtains, furniture, newspapers, books and paper away from your stove. Regularly remove ashes into a covered, metal container. Store the container outdoors on a nonflammable surface.
- Keep the fire hot and door closed. For most appliances, a smoldering fire is not safe or efficient. Build a hot fire and keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed. Open the doors only when loading or stoking the live fire. An open stove door can release harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy. In case of a fire, have a fire extinguisher, fire blanket or ample sand or water on-hand to put it out before it can spread.
Safe Practices for Generators and Fuel-Burning Heat Sources
In previous hurricanes, North Carolinians have died after running generators inside.
Running a generator inside produces carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas. High levels of carbon monoxide can be deadly within minutes.
Some people are at higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with chronic illness are at higher risk
People can die from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping, without awareness of symptoms.
Take proper precautions when using a generator or other fuel burning device:
- Do not use gasoline-powered tools or engines in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use them outdoors at least 20 feet from all doors, windows and air vents.
- Do not use charcoal grills or propane stoves indoors, even in a fireplace.
- Never use the kitchen stove or other gas appliances to heat your home.
- Do not idle your car, truck or other vehicle in the garage, even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
- Keep rooms well ventilated.
- Read and follow all instructions included with fuel-burning devices. Use the proper fuel and make sure there is enough air for ventilation and fuel burning.
Even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
More Resources
Questions about safe use of woodstoves and generators? Call us: 919-707-5900.
Hurricane Helene information and resources:
Related Press Release: NCDHHS Urges Safety Measures for Heating Homes in Western NC as Temperatures Drop