For Release: 12/31/2009
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Urge Residents to Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors and Have Heating Equipment Inspected Annually
CHICAGO, IL – With temperatures expected below the freezing mark all this week causing furnaces to work overtime, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas want to alert customers about the importance of having Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors, as required by law, in their homes and apartments.
"Carbon monoxide can come from any inadequately burned and vented fuel sources, including water heaters, furnaces, boilers, kerosene heaters, ranges/stoves, dryers, grills, fireplaces and portable generators," said Rodrigo A. Sierra, vice president of Public Affairs.
"It is vital that residents have working CO detectors in their homes and ensure that their heating equipment is in top operating condition by having them inspected on a regular basis. An improperly adjusted furnace or boiler can create CO and blocked or inadequate venting can cause the CO to accumulate indoors," adds Sierra.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, "There are approximately 2,100 unintentional deaths from carbon monoxide (CO) every year in the U.S. and the use of CO alarms could potentially prevent many of these fatalities. In addition, more than 10,000 CO injuries occur annually from this colorless, odorless and tasteless poison."
Prolonged exposure to CO fumes can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Early warning signs include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting. If you encounter these danger signs or if your CO detector goes off, evacuate the premises. Call 911 from another location.
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas offer a few CO safety tips to customers:
- Install CO detectors/alarms within 15 feet of each sleeping area.
- Test CO detectors/alarms at least once a month; replace batteries at least twice a year and follow manufacturer's guidelines for the installation and maintenance of CO detectors.
- CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarm and the CO alarm.
- Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, boilers, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.
For more CO tips as well as home safety tips, visit the companies' websites at www.peoplesgasdelivery.com and www.northshoregasdelivery.com.
About Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves 840,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the City of Chicago. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on Peoples Gas, visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com.
About North Shore Gas
North Shore Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves 158,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 54 communities in Northeastern Illinois. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on North Shore Gas, visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com.
For More Information, Contact:
- Bonnie Johnson (Media)
Manager, Public Relations
(312) 240-4567
(312) 907-7333 (CELL)