Every October during Fire Prevention Month the Hagerman Fire Department is committed to providing fire safety and prevention to the children and adults living in our community. The Department dedicates extensive time into fire prevention and safety methods and our Firefighters annually go out to visit the local school, day cares and living facilities to talk about the importance of fire prevention. Hagerman Fire Department along with the Bellport Fire Department maintain a fire prevention trailer which is used to educate the citizens on how to stay low and safely escape a fire. During the month of National Fire Prevention, the Department hosts an open house for the community which features hands on activities for children and demonstrations of live fire by our firefighters.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives:
- Working smoke detectors can reduce the chances of death or injury in a fire by half.
- Many lives could be saved annually if every home has a working smoke detector.
- Test Your Smoke Detectors at least once a month, and change the batteries at least twice a year.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don't have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
- If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator's cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO.
- When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters' Laboratories.
- Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
Where is CO found?
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
How does CO poisoning work?
Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.
Who is at risk from CO poisoning?
All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups ‚¬€ unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems ‚¬€ are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.
How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?
