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Emergency Management - Get Prepared
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide — a colorless and odorless gas — is a normal by-product of fuel combustion that can be created by typical heating fuels (i.e., oil, coal, wood, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or natural gas). High levels of carbon monoxide indoors, however, can be dangerous to your health, and can cause serious illness or death if inhaled in large concentrations.
Carbon monoxide can build up to a dangerous level if a fuel-burning appliance isn't operating properly, or is not safely venting fuel combustion by-products. For instance, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can be produced from improperly vented furnaces, plugged or cracked chimneys, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and tail pipes.
Running a vehicle inside a garage is the most common carbon monoxide danger. During the heating season, when fresh air circulation is reduced, it's especially important to prevent carbon monoxide buildup indoors.
Hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year, and thousands of others suffer dizziness, severe headache, and nausea. The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache. However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness. Everyone is at risk, however, people with low red blood cell counts, heart or respiratory ailments as well as infants are at higher risk.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
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Leave your home
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Call 911
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Get any victims to fresh air immediately
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Open windows
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Call your gas provider
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Tips for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working. NYC law requires owners to provide and install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room. Learn more about NYC's carbon monoxide detector law
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Make sure your heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced.
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Have your fireplace, chimney, and flue cleaned every year to remove soot deposits, leaves, etc.
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Kerosene heaters are dangerous and illegal in New York City.
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Don't heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
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Do not use any gas-powered appliance, such as a generator, indoors.
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Never use a charcoal grill or a hibachi indoors.
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Automobile exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Open your garage door before starting your car and do not leave the motor running in an enclosed area. Clear exhaust pipes before starting a car or truck after it snows.
FIRE
If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire.
PLAN AHEAD
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Keep a portable ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in your home. Wet K class extinguishers are recommended for stove top fires.
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Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the kitchen and within 15 feet of each bedroom entrance. Check the batteries at least twice a year like at daylight-saving times.
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE:
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If a fire breaks out in your house or non-fireproof apartment building (generally six stories or fewer), get everyone out as soon as possible and close (but do not lock) all doors behind you.
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If your clothes catch on fire, Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, and Rollover and over to smother the flames. Cover your face to protect your lungs from the smoke.
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If you live in a high-rise multiple dwelling, and the fire is not in your apartment, stay in your apartment rather than entering smoke-filled hallways. Keep windows closed, especially if the fire is in the apartment below.
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In high-rise office buildings, only evacuate if the fire is on your floor or the one above it, and descend to the second floor below the fire floor. Other occupants should stay on their floor and monitor the PA system for further instructions.
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Feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out.
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When exiting, stay as close to the floor as possible — smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Close doors behind you.
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If you are unable to get out of your home for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Close the door and stuff the bottom with a towel to avoid smoke. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth outside the window.
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Call 911 from a safe place, such as a neighbor's house.
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Do not stop to get anything.
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Do not use the elevator.
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Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.
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For more fire safety information, refer to the FDNY's fire safety publications, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit 311 online