As Cold Weather Months Approach, Protect Yourself from Odorless, Colorless Danger and Stay Safe from Carbon Monoxide

Rhea-AI Summary

With winter approaching, PG&E emphasizes the importance of carbon monoxide safety. Annually, over 430 deaths and around 50,000 hospitalizations occur in the U.S. due to carbon monoxide poisoning, making proper home heating and functioning detectors crucial. Residents are urged to install detectors on every floor, test them biannually, and replace batteries as needed. Additionally, safety tips include avoiding the use of hazardous appliances indoors and ensuring proper ventilation for gas appliances. PG&E serves over 16 million people in Northern and Central California.

Positive

• Increased awareness of carbon monoxide safety can lead to fewer accidents and deaths, potentially enhancing PG&E's public image.
• By promoting safety measures, PG&E reinforces its commitment to customer well-being.

Negative

• High annual statistics of carbon monoxide deaths and hospitalizations highlight ongoing safety concerns in PG&E's service area.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With winter months approaching, there are important steps customers can take to protect themselves against the dangers of carbon monoxide, including using only safe, approved methods for home heating and ensuring that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in their homes and working properly.

According to the Center for Disease Control, every year in the U.S. at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and approximately 50,000 people will be sent to the hospital. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is odorless and can’t be seen, and all California homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors. Customers can take these steps to protect their homes and their families:

• Carbon monoxide can be emitted from improperly functioning gas appliances, particularly those used for heating and cooking.
• To protect your family against potential exposure, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common areas.
• These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries replaced if necessary.
• Check the date that the detector was manufactured. The sensors in most carbon monoxide detectors have a useful life of five to 10 years.
• Most detectors have an audible signal, usually a series of chirps, which differs from the alarm to indicate low battery, malfunction, or device end of life. Refer to the owner's manual or the instructions on the back of the detector for more information.

Gas Safety Tips

• Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters.
• Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home heating purposes.
• Never cover the bottom tray inside an oven with foil or an aftermarket liner.
• When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
• Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have proper ventilation.
• If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, or if you smell the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of natural gas in or around their home or business, you should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
• Click here for more gas safety tips.
• For more information about preparedness resources, visit PG&E’s Safety Action Center.

About PG&E

PG&E, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102005982/en/

MEDIA RELATIONS:

415-973-5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

What safety measures does PG&E recommend for carbon monoxide prevention?

PG&E advises installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, testing them biannually, and using safe heating methods.

How many people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. each year?

According to the CDC, at least 430 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide in my home?

Evacuate immediately and call 911 along with PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

How often should carbon monoxide detectors be tested?

Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested twice a year.