Hatzolah of Central Jersey, the Lakewood Fire Dept., Chaveirim of Central Jersey, and Lakewood Shomrim have issued an urgent reminder to take proper precautions and avoid serious – and entirely preventable – dangers associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Each year in the United States, thousands of people are treated for accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and tragically, some do not survive. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer – invisible, tasteless, and odorless – and it can accumulate quickly when proper care is not taken.
This time of year brings intense cleaning and kashering activities – but they must be done with awareness of physical safety. When cleaning for Pesach, Hatzolah urges you to be mindful in the following areas:
COMMON DANGERS DURING PESACH CLEANING:
• Leaving ovens on for extended periods (for kashering or to burn off chometz) without proper ventilation.
• Running self-clean cycles while the home is closed up tight, causing heat and gas buildup.
• Cleaning cars in closed garages while the engine is running.
• Using gas-powered equipment indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
• Blocking appliance vents or chimneys during deep cleaning or covering surfaces.
SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY:
• Never leave your car running in a closed garage, even for a few minutes.
• Always ensure proper ventilation when using ovens or other gas-powered appliances.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Do not use grills, generators, or other outdoor equipment indoors under any circumstances.
• If anyone in the home suddenly feels dizzy, weak, nauseous, or confused – get out immediately and call Hatzolah.
We implore every family to take these warnings seriously. All it takes is one oversight for tragedy to strike R”L.
May we all be zoche to a safe, healthy, and uplifting Zman Cheiruseinu.