Jack Williams

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Fuel-powered devices can provide wonderful benefits to families when used properly. But they also underscore an important necessity in the home: the need for a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or cars left running in garages. At its worst, carbon monoxide can cause severe side effects or even death.

As more cool days and even cooler nights arrive, the drastically cold temperatures in our area have increased the risk for acute domestic carbon monoxide poisoning. Faulty heating systems, such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters, along with power blackouts and the use of cheaper, but dangerous, heating methods during difficult economic times make fall and winter the prime time for deaths caused by carbon monoxide (CO), often called the "invisible killer." An estimated 15,000 emergency department visits and 500 unintentional deaths in the United States occur each year as a result of accidental CO exposure.

· Don't use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or near a window.

· If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Don't leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the doors are open.

· Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

· On the outside of your home, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

· Carbon monoxide can accumulate in or around your motorboat, so install an alarm on your boat.

Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Centers specialize in all of your vehicle's service needs. Whether your vehicle needs factory scheduled maintenance, state inspections or mission inspections, Jack Williams' ASE certified professionals know just how to help you. Visit any of our 29 locations to meet with Jack Williams' team of experts for alignments, brakes, shocks, struts, exhausts, batteries, fluid services, oil changes, filters, belts, hoses, diagnostics and more! Jack Williams Tire is proud to employ ASE certified technicians.