Ron Simmons, an apprentice gas mechanic with Ameren UE, checked all the working components on an automatic furnace before turning it on Wednesday.

While area residents have started to dress accordingly for the onslaught of much cooler weather, others have already started to turn their furnaces on. But what you don?t know about your heating system could kill you. An O?Fallon man and his daughter died Monday, Oct. 14 as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning at their suburban home. When police arrived at the home Monday night, they found the man, his daughter and one other person unconscious and one semi-conscious. ?Carbon monoxide is the silent killer,? Dexter Fire Chief Al Banken remarked. ?It travels through the air because it weighs just the same.? Banken said this time of year it is important for everyone to clean out their furnaces and to make sure everything is in proper working order before turning on their heating units.

AmerenUE recommends that residents or contractors carefully examine furnace connections, especially the flue, before igniting the furnace each year. According to a list of safety tips provided by AmerenUE, a rusty or loose fitting flue could cause a vent to operate improperly, and improper venting of furnace combustion may result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning may be a result if a flue is blocked and carbon dioxide and water turn into the lethal gas. AmerenUE suggests that indications of carbon monoxide forming include high humidity, steamed-up windows, an acrid odor and the furnace flame burning partly yellow rather than a steady blue with a sharp pointed shape. Likewise, Banken suggested hot water heaters should be checked over accordingly. ?Now is a wise time to check them,? Banken said. ?Because a lot of stuff can get trapped in there and it can be just as dangerous.?

Banken said he knows there are many houses in Dexter which have floor furnaces. And according to him they are relatively simple to clean. ?You can clean those with just a vacuum,? Banken remarked. ?But all appliances need to be checked.? AmerenUE suggests seeking fresh air immediately upon suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning. The company also suggests ventilating your home by opening doors and windows and seeking medical assistance as soon as possible. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, violent coughing, seeing spots, and unconsciousness. ?Carbon monoxide detectors help,? Banken said. ?They need to be installed on a wall in a reasonable location like a hallway or something. But if you inspect all of your appliances and everything is serviced right there shouldn?t be many problems.? Other dangers Banken said this time of year lends to other dangers besides gas coming from heating sources. According to Banken, one of the dangers during winter months can be space heaters.

?They?re rated as being safe,? Banken remarked. ?But I wouldn?t have one.? According to Banken and other sources of information, unattended space heaters can overheat and possibly start a fire. ?They can be pretty dangerous,? Banken commented. ?I sure wouldn?t go to sleep while one is on. But some people have to make due with them.? Also, Banken recommends homeowners with a fireplace clean the flue of the fireplace to ensure safe burning. ?A lot of stuff can get in there during the summer months to clog things up,? Banken said. ?And you should never burn paper in a fireplace. Paper burns very quickly and very hot.? Banken suggested using properly cut and completely dry kindling to start a fire in a fireplace. Banken also said it?s important to never use any flammable liquid to start a fire in a fire place. Jonathon Dawe may be reached via e-mail at jdawe@dailystatesman.com