Unitil Corporation, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, a provider of natural gas and electricity to New England customers, urges homeowners and businesses to check and test their carbon monoxide detectors.
“With the recent time change, it is recommended that batteries in their smoke detectors be replaced,” said Alec O’Meara, Unitil media relations manager. “The time change also signals the beginning of the heating season, which means carbon monoxide detectors should be checked too.”
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas found in combustion fumes that can cause sudden illness and death to occupants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires.
"It is important to be proactive as we enter the heating season. Over a third of poisoning occurs from December through February. Homeowners also need to be mindful that leaves and snow can block vents causing exhaust fumes to back up into the home, so they need to be cleared away from exhaust vents."
Alec O’Meara, Unitil Media Relations Manager
