Safety

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel burns incompletely — in furnaces, water heaters, generators, and vehicles. It's often called the invisible killer because there's no smell or color to warn you; a working CO alarm is the only reliable warning you'll get.

Possible symptoms of CO exposure:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion

CO poisoning is easy to mistake for the flu — if multiple people in the house feel sick at the same time and it improves after going outside, treat that as a warning sign.

• Install a CO alarm on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area — CO alarms are separate from smoke alarms and don't detect the same thing.
• If the alarm sounds, get everyone to fresh air immediately — outside, or by an open door or window — then call from there.
• Never run a car, generator, or other fueled engine in a garage, even with the door open.
• Keep dryer, furnace, and stove vents clear of snow buildup during and after storms.
• Generators belong outside, well away from windows, doors, and vents — never in a garage or basement.

Generator Safety

• Run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, facing exhaust away from windows and doors.
• Never plug a generator directly into a home outlet — use a transfer switch or plug appliances into the generator directly.
• Keep it dry, and let it cool before refueling.

Winter & Ice Safety

• No ice is ever 100% safe. Thickness can vary across the same pond, even on a cold day.
• Keep pets on a leash near frozen ponds and lakes — most rescues start with someone going in after a pet.
• If someone falls through, don't go in after them. Call 911, and reach or throw something rather than going onto the ice yourself.
• Tallman is one of Rockland County's designated ice rescue teams, trained and equipped to respond to exactly this kind of emergency.

If You Smell Gas

Leave the house immediately — don't stop to flip light switches or unplug anything, since even a small spark can ignite gas that's built up. Once you're safely outside, call 911 and your gas utility from a neighbor's home or your cell phone. Don't go back inside until the fire department or utility crew tells you it's safe.

Grilling Safety

Keep grills — gas or charcoal — well clear of the house, deck railings, and anything overhead. Never use one indoors or in a garage; both produce carbon monoxide.