Oct 22, 2012 3 min read

This week’s pleasant weather may be a perfect excuse to get outside and do some last-minute house work before cold weather moves into the area. But local officials are warning area residents to keep safety in mind this year as they winterize their homes.As people work to keep hot air inside their homes, the likelihood of trapping dangerous gasses also rises. “One of the best things you can do is have carbon monoxide detectors installed,” said Ryan Frazee, emergency planner for Washington County Department of Public Safety. “They should be outside sleeping areas on every level of the home.” Frazee said carbon monoxide detectors are similar to smoke detectors and should be considered essential. He suggested changing the batteries every six months to ensure they’re in working condition should an emergency strike. “Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas,” said Chris Davis, a service manager for Shearer Heating and Cooling. “You can’t see it, so it’s important to get your ventilation checked.”Officials warned that residents should go outside immediately and call 911 if they suspect high levels of carbon monoxide.Davis said his company offers home winter inspections for about $100. Specialists check the ignition device, blower and inducer motors and inspect the furnace. Airflow readings from ducts are taken to check for healthy levels.Fireplaces can be another source of concern. Davis said homeowners should have their fireplaces checked in the fall. “A lot of things can contribute to a blocked chimney,” Davis said. “Good, routine preventative maintenance done at the beginning of the season will pay for itself in efficiency over the year.” In order to save money on utilities, many people winterize their homes by covering up windows, doors and other drafty areas. But while reducing air leakage is a great way to keep your energy costs down, it’s important to be careful. “Don’t seal up vents meant to allow air to escape,” Frazee said. “Dryer, oven vents and fireplaces – we want those to work properly. After storms, make sure to go outside and check to make sure those are clear from snow or ice buildup.” In case of an electricity outage, generators provide homes with a backup source of power. They also produce a lot of carbon monoxide.”During power outages in the winter, people tend to want to keep generators too close,” Frazee said. “Keep all generators outside away from the home in a well-ventilated area.”The same advice goes for any product that uses open flames.”Anything that burns emits carbon monoxide and can cause poisoning,” Frazee said. “Gas and charcoal grills should be kept outside.” Residents should also use common sense when using space heaters.”Space heaters should always be plugged directly into wall, not plugged into extension cords or outlets,” Frazee said. “Make sure they’re kept clear of debris, far away from any rags, curtains or paper products.” When it comes to winter safety, prevention is the key. Frazee said all homes should keep 72 hours worth of food and water provisions stocked in case they lose power for long durations.”If you get snowed in, it’s important to be self-sufficient,” Frazee said. “Check on your neighbors. Self-sufficient communities ensure a better outcome for everybody.”For more safety tips on weatherizing your home, visit ReadyPA.org.