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Show Page 20 The Ogden Valley news Volume XV Issue V February 15, 2008 Cold Weather Brings Increased Risk Radon-Test Kits Available to Weber of Home Fires and Carbon Monoxide and Morgan Residents Dangerous gas can be a problem in mountainous Poisonings—Prevention key Winter weather brings more than colder temperatures, snowstorms, and holiday celebrations. It also brings a significantly higher number of residential fires and accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings—tragedies that can be prevented if appropriate safety precautions are in place. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are most prevalent in December and January and the number of CO related injuries and deaths increase in winter months when furnaces, space heaters, and other fuel burning appliances are in use. “There are several reasons for the increase in fires and CO accidents in winter months,” says Debbie Hanson, director of external affairs for BRK Brands/First Alert, a leading manufacturer of fire extinguishers, smoke and CO alarms and other home safety products. “Candles and holiday decorations such as Christmas trees and lights, along with increased use of kitchen appliances for holiday cooking all contribute to the higher incidence of home fires,” says Hanson. “Storm-related power outages and the improper use of supplemental or alternative heating sources play a big role in the number of CO poisonings. The consequences are often tragic and our goal is to help folks protect themselves during this critical time of year.” Winter Fire Safety Tips According to Hanson, there are simple steps people can take that will greatly reduce the risk of fire-related injury and property loss that is especially important in cold weather months. 1. Install smoke alarms with both Photoelectric and Ionization sensing technologies on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas for maximum protection. 2. Test smoke alarms at least once a week. 3. Change the batteries in smoke alarms every six months or when the low battery signal is heard. 4. Create and practice a home escape plan at least twice a year, making sure everyone is involved—from kids to grandparents. 5. Keep a fire extinguisher or fire extin- guishing spray in your kitchen and near other areas where a fire could occur, such as in a workshop or garage, or near a fireplace. Winter Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips Often referred to as the silent killer because you can’t see, smell, or taste it, CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. It is a by-product of combustion produced by cars, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, gas grills, and a number of other appliances. The following safety tips will help residents avoid CO and other dangers associated with power outages and changes in seasonal temperatures. 1. Never run a generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or porch, and use appropriate-sized power cords to carry the electric load. 2. Install one battery-operated CO alarm (or AC-powered alarm with battery backup) on every level of the home and one in each sleeping area. 3. Ensure that CO alarms have working batteries installed. 4. Never burn charcoal or other outdoor cooking appliances indoors or in the garage. 5. Inspect and clean any soot and debris, such as bird nests and paper, out of chimneys, flues, and stacks. areas, winter best time to check The Weber-Morgan Health Department has 40 free radon-test kits to help residents test the levels of the naturally occurring radioactive gas in their homes. The program is sponsored by the Utah Safety Council and in conjunction with National Radon Safety Month. Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that is the byproduct of the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. It is considered to be the secondleading cause of lung cancer in America when inhaled at high levels overtime. “The biggest danger in our area is on the benches and in the canyons because the gas is more concentrated there and it can seep into people’s homes through the foundation,” says Frank Carlsen, an environmental health scientist with the Weber-Morgan Health Department. “It’s easiest to check for high levels in the wintertime because people have their windows and doors closed.” The kits contain charcoal, which absorbs the gas over a 3-to-5 day period. The kits are then mailed into a laboratory for further testing. The Environmental Protection Agency considers a reading higher than 2.0 picocuries a problem. “The good news is that is a relatively easy problem to fix by properly venting your home,” Carlsen says. Homeowners will need to show proof of residence in Weber or Morgan counties to qualify for the free kits. Home testing kits can also be purchased at the Utah Safety Council and most building supply stores. See www.epa.gov/radon for more information. There are only 40 kits at the WeberMorgan Health Department located at 477 23 rd Street in downtown Ogden. Residents can call 801-399-7160 to check on availability. VALENTINE DANCE cont. from page 15 “jumpin’” with the music of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sammy Kay, Freddie Martin, Harry James, and other great swing-era giants. Lessons will begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. No one will be admitted to the lessons after that time, so please make plans to come early and be included in this fun and fantastic experience. State Department of Performing Arts. The Swing Era style dance band was formed specifically to give local musicians with big band experience an opportunity to continue playing for personal enjoyment as well as for community functions. They have helped to keep the community Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect without the help of CO alarms. Outward physical symptoms of CO poisoning The Ogden-Weber include headaches, dizziness, weakness, Applied Technology nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confuCollege will hold their sion. To learn more about protecting your family from carbon monoxide and other annual community career fair on March home hazards, visit <www.firstalert.com> 4, 2008 between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The school is located at 200 N. Washington BRK Brands, Inc. (Aurora, IL), is a fully Blvd. in Ogden. Last year over 2,000 job seekers attendowned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (Rye, NY) NYSE:JAH, a leading provider of niche ed from throughout the community, and fair consumer products used in and around the organizers state that they expect well over home. For nearly 40 years, BRK Brands, Inc. 100 employers in the following areas: has been the manufacturer of First Alert®- • Government agencies branded home-safety products including • Staffing companies smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire • Manufacturing extinguishers and escape ladders. For more • Healthcare occupations information, visit www.firstalert.com, www. • Business occupations brkelectronics.com or <www.jarden.com> • Information Technology Third Annual Community Career Fair Slated • Construction • Services • Community Resources Over 100 employers will be on campus to conduct preliminary interviews, resume reviews, and suggestions for training. This event is in partnership with the Department of Workforce Services, OgdenWeber Applied Technology College and LDS Employment Services. Community resources and financial aid will be available in the Union Building. Prize drawings will be held every half hour. The job fair is free to the public. For more information, visit www.owatc. com/careerfair or call 801-627-8300. |