JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With fall in full
swing, colder temperatures mean furnaces across Michigan are heating up homes and businesses.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Consumers
Energy and DTE Energy have joined together to raise awareness of
the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and how to prevent it
by designating Nov. 4-10 as Michigan
Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Week.
"Each year in Michigan about
650 people are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to
the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Our
goal during this specially designated week is to make sure
Michigan residents are aware that
unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning can occur almost anywhere –
in homes, businesses, RVs, cabins, boats, even ice shanties. I urge
all Michiganders to become more aware of the dangers of carbon
monoxide poisoning, and to take steps to protect themselves against
this silent killer," said Gov. Whitmer.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that
occurs when there is incomplete fuel combustion of appliances and
consumer products or improper venting. This includes all fuels such
as natural gas, kerosene, oil, gasoline, charcoal and wood.
Appliances that could be affected include furnaces, boilers, water
heaters, ovens, fireplaces, portable heaters, generators,
gas-powered lawn tools and vehicles.
"We care about the customers and communities we serve and want
them to know how to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by
recognizing its signs, symptoms and causes and taking proactive
steps to stay safe from harm," said LeeRoy
Wells, vice president of gas operations for Consumers
Energy.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu and
can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of
breath and stinging or burning of the eyes. Prolonged exposure can
cause loss of consciousness and even death. High concentrations of
carbon monoxide can kill in less than five minutes.
If you experience these symptoms and suspect carbon monoxide
poisoning, leave the building immediately, call 9-1-1 for medical
attention and stay out of the building until the problem has been
corrected.
"The safety of our customers is a top priority at DTE, and we
urge residents to be particularly alert to carbon monoxide danger
during the fall and winter heating season when CO exposure most
frequently occurs," said Renee
Tomina, vice president of gas operations for DTE Gas. "One
of the best defenses against CO poisoning is to install a carbon
monoxide alarm near all sleeping areas in your home. If dangerous
levels of CO are detected, an audible alarm will alert you."
Other tips for protecting against deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning include:
- Get appliances serviced. Have your heating system, water
heater and any other gas, oil, wood or coal-burning appliances
inspected by a qualified service professional every year.
- Change or clean furnace air filters at least once
every month (more if pets are present) during the heating
season.
- Regularly inspect your chimney and vent pipes to be sure
they are free of obstructions like leaves and nests.
- During a power outage never use a generator,
charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline, kerosene or charcoal
burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window.
Always place portable generators at least 25 feet from an
enclosed area and away from doors, windows and fresh air
intakes.
- If your garage is attached to your home, do not
leave your car or truck idling inside, even if the garage door is
open.
For a printable fact sheet on carbon monoxide safety, go to
www.ConsumersEnergy.com/cosafety or www.dteenergy.com/co.
About Consumers Energy: Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the
principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural
gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million
residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information
about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.
About DTE Energy: DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company
involved in the development and management of energy-related
businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an
electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company
serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects; renewable
natural gas; natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage; and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE
utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions
by more than 80 percent by 2040 to produce cleaner
energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE
Electric aspires to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is
committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism,
education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and
economic progress. Information about DTE is available at
dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com,
twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
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SOURCE Consumers Energy