Zanesville Fire Department Encourages Public To Purchase CO Detectors

Don’t be fooled by the warmer weather because the coldest temperatures of the season will be making a visit to the area this week.

The chilly air means a higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Ben Morehouse, firefighter on the Zanesville Fire Department said this time of the year is especially important when it comes to the winter months.

"Carbon monoxide detectors are important, especially this time of year. People begin, you know, closing their windows and doors and you know its getting colder out, and you know, firing up their gas furnaces and even the stoves. You know, gas stoves anything of the sort. If you’ve got a gas appliance in your house we strongly suggest that you have a carbon monoxide detector."

Morehouse said that the fire department sees a lot of runs for carbon monoxide leaks this time of year. In order for the detectors to alert you of leaks, it is important to make sure batteries are changed regularly.

"It’s good if you can understand when your battery’s low, or when you know, your CO detector is going off. Just test it every once in a while. You’ll get familiar with that sound. If its a beep every 5 minutes every 10 minutes its probably your battery thats bad. Hopefully you will have just changed that with the time change."

It’s called the silent killer, because it is an odorless gas. Morehouse said if you suddenly start to feel off, or experience headaches and nausea, you are encouraged to call the fire department. A carbon monoxide detector can be purchased at any area hardware store.