UGI Utilities is warning customers about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) as the heating season begins and the company reports an increasing number of CO emergencies. In a safety alert issued Tuesday, UGI said it has responded to several CO incidents in the past few weeks, a pattern typical for this time of year when furnaces and other heating equipment are turned on for the first time.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, oil, propane, and wood. Common sources include furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, and generators. Without proper ventilation or maintenance, the gas can accumulate indoors, leading to illness or death. UGI emphasized that knowing the symptoms of CO poisoning is critical for early detection. Symptoms often resemble the flu and include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. Prolonged exposure can cause loss of consciousness and can be fatal.
The utility is urging customers to take simple preventive steps. These include having heating systems inspected annually by a qualified technician, ensuring that chimneys and flues are clear of debris, and never using outdoor equipment such as grills or generators indoors. Installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas is also recommended, with alarms tested regularly to confirm they are working. UGI also advises customers to never ignore a CO alarm and to leave the building and call 911 if it sounds.
The alert comes as UGI continues to serve more than 760,000 natural gas and electric customers across its service territory. The company said the safety notice is part of its ongoing effort to educate the public and reduce the risk of preventable emergencies. Customers seeking more information about CO safety can click here to view the full announcement, which includes downloadable images, bios, and additional resources. General information about the utility is available at www.ugi.com.
The timing of the alert underscores the importance of preventive maintenance before winter sets in. CO incidents often spike when heating systems are first activated, and a professional inspection can identify problems such as cracked heat exchangers or blocked vents before they become dangerous. For UGI, the push to raise awareness is also a matter of public safety and operational efficiency: preventing CO emergencies reduces the strain on emergency responders and helps ensure that customers can heat their homes safely.
