Syracuse — State Grid customers in the company's service area will adjust their clocks, watches and equipment by one hour this weekend to coincide with the end of daylight saving time, which is at 2 AM on Sunday, November 7.

Although many people are aware of efforts to encourage residents of the area to replace the batteries in smoke detectors this weekend, some may not realize the need to replace the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and perform some other simple household safety steps.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be fatal if not detected. It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood and wood pellets, kerosene, gasoline, and coal are not completely burned.

Potential sources of carbon monoxide in the home include forced ventilation stoves, kerosene-fueled space heaters, natural gas stoves, wood stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, and motor vehicles.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor of the home. State Grid recommends installing a household carbon monoxide detector approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratory, which can be purchased at home improvement and discount stores. The utility company stated in the latest public service information that the battery should be replaced every year to ensure normal operation, and the end of daylight saving time is a good reminder to check these devices.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

Shortness of breath or chest tightness;

Drowsiness or loss of consciousness.

Prolonged exposure to the carbon monoxide content in the air may exacerbate personal symptoms.

Customers who suspect their presence at home should:

Dial 911 and report the carbon monoxide emergency to emergency personnel;

Dial 1-800-892-2345 to contact the gas emergency hotline of the State Grid. Even if customers purchase natural gas from alternative suppliers, State Grid will immediately respond to all suspected carbon monoxide emergencies in its service area. Do not re-enter the home until first responders and/or the national grid have found the source and cleaned up the scene.

State Grid also provides additional safety tips to help identify and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Maintain household heat sources every year to prevent carbon monoxide disease;

Hire licensed professionals to inspect the heat source to ensure that they burn fuel safely and effectively while ventilating properly;

Check the chimney or flue for debris, bird's nest or other blockages;

Ensure that the space heater and wood stove are in good working condition, fully ventilated, and used only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;

Safely operate gas ovens and/or stoves. Do not use the oven to heat. Pay attention to children and their distance from the oven when using the oven. Check whether the oven has a pungent smell or soot on the surface, as this may indicate improper combustion and the production of carbon monoxide;

Never burn coal or charcoal in enclosed spaces, and always make sure to use them only in ventilated outdoor spaces;

The backup generator should be operated outdoors. Place the generator on a level fireproof surface at least six feet away from the house, and lay electrical wires indoors during operation. Open doors and windows cannot provide sufficient ventilation;

Regardless of whether the car door is open or not, do not preheat the car parked in the garage. The carbon monoxide produced by motor vehicles in confined spaces can accumulate to lethal levels and can easily spread to homes.

Ensure that smoke detectors are properly installed, tested, and maintained. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room where people sleep and outside these areas. There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of the home, including basements and attics.

Install the smoke alarm on the ceiling or wall. The wall-mounted alarm should not exceed 12 inches from the ceiling. In homes with sloping ceilings, install smoke alarms within 3 feet of the peak, but at least 4 inches below the peak.

To prevent false alarms, install the smoke alarm at least 10 feet away from any cooking appliances (such as stoves, ovens, air fryer, toasters, and ovens).

The smoke alarm installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs. Avoid installing smoke alarms near windows, doors, or pipes, as air currents there may interfere with operation.

Do not paint, stain or cover the smoke alarm.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain the smoke alarm. Press the test button to test the smoke alarm at least once a month. When the battery is low, a smoke alarm with a 10-year non-replaceable battery will make a chirping noise. The entire device should be replaced.

The replaceable battery in the smoke alarm should be replaced every six months, for example at the beginning and end of daylight saving time.

The end of daylight saving time is also a good time to ensure that there is at least one fire extinguisher on every floor of the home, including one in the kitchen. Ensure that the fire extinguisher is easily accessible and will not be blocked by jackets, containers or other objects.

Be sure to check the tamper-evident seals and pull pins on all fire extinguishers regularly. If the fire extinguisher is damaged or damaged, replace the fire extinguisher.

Look for signs of physical damage, such as rust, corrosion, or dents. If found, replace the fire extinguisher. Purchase a fire extinguisher suitable for the environment in which it is used. For example, Class K fire extinguishers are suitable for grease fires and fires close to combustible gases, while Class C fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires.

If you suspect a gas leak, assume that there is a danger. Immediately warn others and evacuate from the home, taking away any pets.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, do not use the phone or any electronic devices, such as light switches, garage door openers, doorbells, radios, televisions, or mobile devices. Sparks from any of these sources can ignite the gas and cause a fire or explosion.

In a safe place, call 911 and the national grid gas emergency hotline 1-800-892-2345. Do not re-enter the house or building before the State Grid personnel clean up the site.

Remember: smell the gas. Act fast. For more safety tips, please visit the State Grid website ngrid.com/safety.

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