January 11, 2025 – Mariposa County Health & Human Services officials offer cold weather safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Cold overnight and morning temperatures might have you breaking out space heaters or using the fireplace much more.

In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide, an invisible odorless gas. All homes heating equipment needs to be well-ventilated to the outdoors. And, you should never use an oven to heat your home.

Here are some do's and don'ts to keep you safe from Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Do:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in each area of your home, check the batteries every 5 months and replace the detector every 5 years
• Have your vehicle exhaust system checked by a mechanic yearly
• Have your gas/oil/coal appliances checked each year by a certified technician
• Have your chimney or stove pipes cleared regularly
• Ensure proper ventilation for stoves, furnaces, dryers or other appliances

Do Not:

• Leave your vehicle running in an enclosed garage or shed attached to your home
• Run your generator in an enclosed space attached to your home, or near open windows/doors

To learn more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

Source: Mariposa County Health & Human Services