MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – As temperatures fall and heating equipment sees increased use, NIPSCO is encouraging communities across the state to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from the risks of carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and non-corrosive gas produced when fuels such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane or oil burn incompletely. Natural gas does not contain carbon monoxide, but CO can be produced when there is not enough oxygen for fuel to burn properly.
“Preparing for colder weather is also an opportunity to make sure your home is ready for the heating season,” said Vince Parisi, president and chief operating officer of NIPSCO. “Testing your carbon monoxide detectors and having fuel-burning equipment properly maintained are simple steps that can help protect you and your family.”
Help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure by taking these steps:
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home and outside every room where someone sleeps.
- Test CO detectors regularly and replace batteries or detectors as needed.
- Have fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified professional.
- Keep chimneys and vents clear of blockages.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- Never burn charcoal or operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
- Open the garage door before starting a vehicle.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and irregular breathing. If a CO detector sounds or you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, leave the area for fresh air and call 911 immediately. Do not return until emergency responders say it is safe.
Know the difference: A CO detector detects carbon monoxide. A natural gas detector monitors for natural gas, or methane, and can help identify a potential natural gas leak. If you smell the sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor of natural gas or a natural gas detector alarms, STOP what you are doing, LEAVE the area immediately, and CALL 911 and NIPSCO at 1-800-634-3524 from a safe location.
Learn more at NIPSCO Carbon Monoxide Safety and NIPSCO Safety Products.
About NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 900,000 natural gas and 500,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com.
