October is a favorite time around the Station! Not only because it is fire safety month, but also because of the temperature shift from blistering summer heat to perfect mid 70 days with cool mornings and evenings. Routines of living in swim wear shift as we dig to the back of our closets in search of our favorite warm fashions. S’mores by campfires and indoor gatherings are some of the fall rituals. As we will begin to spend more time indoors and rely on appliances to generate heat this fall, remember that carbon monoxide, a byproduct of burning fuels, can be a silent odorless killer. Signs and symptoms include nausea, headaches, dizziness and confusion. At home, if you experience these symptoms get all people outside, ventilate the space and call 911.

As such we remind you to consider these safety concerns at home to avoid carbon monoxide:
 

• Never leave a running vehicle inside a garage or covered space.
• Consider annual inspections on appliances including water heaters, HVAC units, and gas ranges, dryers, etc. to ensure they are in good working order.
• Replace heating system filters.
• Prior to lighting a fireplace, inspect the integrity of fire walls, flue operation, and chimney. If unsure attain a professional inspection. Wood fireplaces should have an indoor screen.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Check all smoke detectors and proactively change batteries once a year. Dust or vacuum away debris on detector vents. If over 10 years old, replace immediately.
• Have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your house installed around wall height of 4-5 ft. off the floor. If gas appliances such as clothes dryer, propane fireplace, etc, consider additional detectors.

As the saying goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” We here at the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department are at your service to keep you safe so don’t hesitate to call us with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Adam Ivan
SIFD Training Officer
843-883-9944
aivan@sullivansisland.sc.gov