Río Grande Municipality issues carbon monoxide safety guidelines

The Municipality of Río Grande, through its Municipal Civil Defense, has issued a series of safety recommendations to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during the heating season.

Key safety guidelines include prohibiting the use of non-balanced flue appliances in bedrooms and bathrooms, and avoiding the use of ovens or kitchen burners for heating. While kerosene heaters or braziers may be used, they must be extinguished while sleeping. Residents are advised to have gas appliances, such as water heaters and central heating systems, inspected annually by a certified technician.

To ensure proper air circulation, officials recommend ventilating homes at least once a day and ensuring that ventilation grilles are not obstructed. Residents should monitor appliance flames, which should remain blue, and watch for black stains on walls that may indicate poor combustion. In the event of suspected poisoning—marked by symptoms such as dizziness, headache, weakness, or fatigue—affected individuals should be moved to fresh air immediately. Emergency assistance can be reached via the Municipal Civil Defense line at 103 or the Río Grande Regional Hospital at 107.