205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 01/22/2019 - Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas associated with heating appliances and devices.
A message about carbon monoxide (CO) from the Fire Marshal. CO is a byproduct of combustion in fueled engines, fire places, wood stoves, appliances using coal or oil, and gas powered appliances such as propane or natural gas water heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, cook tops, etc. It is colorless, odorless, and lethal, also known as the invisible killer. In 2010, fire agencies across the country responded to 80,100 calls for service that were related to CO problems. Be sure than your home is equipped with a CO detector if you have have any appliances that are gas powered or you heat your home with wood, oil, or coal. Improperly installed devices, obstructed vents, and faulty equipment can lead to increased CO levels in your home. A significant danger with CO is that it can build up while occupants sleep, causing a coma or impaired reaction and ability to self-rescue. The effects of CO on individuals depends on multiple variables, such as physical condition, health, and activity levels. CO works by displacing oxygen in the respiratory system, not allowing the oxygen to bind to the red blood cells for use in the body. People can be CO poisoned over time with low doses or immediately with higher concentrations. You should install CO detectors in a central location outside each sleeping area on every floor or level of the home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and mounting height requirements. Alarms should be inter-connected so that if one alarms, they all sound and they should be tested monthly. The National Fire Protection Agency has additional information regarding the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Patrick Nicholson, Fire Marshal