Home Safety

FROM THE
CHIEFS CORNER

FIRE CHIEF
SAM DIGIOVANNA

As temperatures cool down, home heating use goes up. It’s
important for homeowners and renters to inspect their home-heating appliances
and perform any maintenance necessary to avoid any health or safety hazards.

“Early cold fronts are prompting people to turn on their
heaters/furnaces for the first time in months. This time of year fire
departments respond increasingly to calls of “odor of gas inside” and gas leaks
says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Heaters have not been used in months. Heating
appliances should be serviced annually to keep them operating safely and
efficiently. “A licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co.
Representative can provide this service for you.”

By not having an annual maintenance inspection on gas appliances
could result in exposure to carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, drowsiness,
flu-like symptoms, and even death. Does your residence have a carbon monoxide
detector installed? Check with your local fire department for advice on
installing one says DiGiovanna.

Here are a few tips for a safe, warm, and energy-efficient winter:

• Have natural gas furnaces checked at least once a year by a
licensed heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep.

• Vacuum and clean regularly in and around the furnace,
particularly around the burner compartment to prevent a build-up of dust and lint.

Never store items in, on or around the appliance that can obstruct
airflow.

• Most forced-air units have a filter that cleans the air before
heating and circulating it throughout the home. Check furnace filters every
month during the heating season and clean or replace the filter when necessary.

• When installing a new or cleaned furnace filter, be sure to
re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly;
never operate the furnace without the front-panel door properly in place
because doing so may create the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Check the appearance of the flame. If the flame is yellow, large
and unsteady, the furnace needs to be inspected immediately by a licensed
heating contractor or Southern California Gas Co rep to have the condition
corrected.

• Using an unvented gas heater in your home is dangerous and a
violation of the California Health and Safety Code.

• Never use your oven, range or outdoor barbecue to heat your home
because these appliances are not designed for this purpose.

Again, the best advice is to contact a licensed qualified heating
contractor or Southern California Gas Co. Representative inspect your furnace.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna