FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Directorate of Public Safety urges Fort Rucker residents to be aware of the risks and safety hazards that carbon monoxide can pose during the winter months.
Carbon monoxide can be deadly. It is a colorless, odorless gas and is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned, said Capt. David Ammons, captain of the stage field base.
Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can result from appliances that are improperly used or not properly functioning.
Hundreds of people die every year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances, and even more die from the carbon monoxide produced by idling cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's website.
"Make sure you are knowledgeable of the appliance before you use it," said Lt. Col. Madeline T. Bondy, DPS director and provost marshal. "People should be smart about how they use the appliances. Read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any [fuel-burning device] and ask questions. If you don't know something, find out by asking.
"When using space heaters in enclosed areas, for instance, people have to be very cautious about the carbon monoxide emissions from some space heaters," she said. "Make sure everything is connected properly and allow for proper ventilation.
"A lot of times, people will close windows and doors and allow no way for proper air flow [when using fuel-burning space heaters]," said the director. "This happens a lot in the winter time when people are trying to keep warm while working in a garage, and they forget to ventilate their workspace."
According to Ammons, space heaters are not allowed to be used in the commercial and office buildings of Fort Rucker.
Space heaters are allowed in military housing units, but residents are urged to follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the product, said Brandon Masters, communication manager for Picerne Military Housing.
Ammons added that when people are choosing these types of appliances, they should choose those that vent the fumes to the outside if possible, as carbon monoxide levels can quickly rise in an enclosed room.
"Before the winter season comes around, people should also have trained professionals inspect their fuel-burning appliances in the home," and make sure that flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition and not blocked, he said.
These appliances include: oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
As a precaution, people should install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes if they aren't already installed.
"The first thing that we usually advise people to do, [in preparation], is change their [carbon monoxide] detector's batteries every time the time changes," said Ammons.
Having an awareness of what to look for in the case of possible carbon monoxide poisoning is also very important, said Ammons.
"It's very important to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning," he said. "A lot of times people will mistake it for the flu."
According to the EPA, if people are experiencing severe headaches, becoming dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint -- they may be experiencing moderate levels of carbon monoxide poisoning, said Ammons.
"If people are exposed to moderate levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time, they can die," he continued.
Low levels of exposure can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches, but can still have a long-term affect on people's health, Ammons added.
If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, people should get fresh air immediately, said the stage field base captain. He recommends possible victims to ventilate and leave the house, and go to an emergency room and talk to a physician, letting the physician know that they suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ammons said the EPA states there are things people should never do in order to prevent carbon monoxide exposure such as: idle the car in the garage; use a gas oven to heat the home; use charcoal grills indoors; sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater; use gasoline-powered engines in enclosed spaces. Also, people should never ignore symptoms -- especially if more than one person is feeling them.
Carbon monoxide detectors are not completely foolproof and should not be 100 percent relied upon and that is why Bondy urges people to be knowledgeable about carbon monoxide.
"Education is key," and it can save people's lives, she said.
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