Hicksville firefighters were called out at 4:42 p.m. on Jan. 17 for a report of a strange odor in an adult group home. Upon arrival, it was quickly determined that the source of the problem was the oil burner and readings of up to 200 parts per million of carbon monoxide were detected in the basement area.

Earlier, one staff member left work feeling ill. There were no detectors present in the home. As a rule, most carbon monoxide emergencies result from gas appliances, automobiles running in garages or alternate heating devices. In recent years, several incidents involving faulty oil burners, flue pipes have injured residents and caused toxic fumes.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. Only a carbon monoxide detector can warn you, but there are a few exceptions, including an oil fired heating device. Our homes are sealed up during the cold weather so any type of fume is enough to make you sick.

New York State law requires we have a smoke detector. Nassau County health laws require we have a carbon monoxide detector. Many folks, we find, do not have any detectors. Recent serious injuries and deaths in the metro area occurred in homes that were not equipped with these detectors. Hicksville fire chiefs urge residents to equip homes with an adequate number of smoke detectors and at least one carbon monoxide detector.

At least one of each detector should be in the immediate area of the bedrooms. We are most vulnerable when sleeping. Therefore the detectors should be in sleeping areas of the home. Do not install a carbon monoxide detector in the immediate area of a device that gives off, no matter how minute, carbon monoxide. Eventually, you will get unnecessary alarms. Be sure your boiler room is vented properly to prevent buildup of fumes. All units give off some fumes.

Be advised that paint, solvents, adhesives, alcohol-based products, hair sprays, after-shave lotions, perfumes and harsh cleaning agents will affect the detector and cause false readings and, in some cases, can damage the detector. While using the above items over an extended period, it is advisable to temporarily move the detector to a safer location.

At first, carbon monoxide poisoning or toxic fumes will cause a headache and progress on to vomiting, confusion, unnatural fatigue (flu-like symptoms). Extreme exposure symptoms include convulsions, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.

• Be sure your heating unit (gas or oil) is in good working order. It will run more often in the cold and be pushed to its limits.

• Keep alternate heating devices, such as kerosene heaters, away from all combustible materials. Ventilate the area properly as they can emit harmful fumes. Never fill a hot water heater and never fill a heater inside. Use the proper fuel when refilling; no substitutes.

• Electric Heaters - Do not use with an extension cord if possible. If necessary, use an extension cord the same size or larger than the cord on the heater. Do not overload an electrical circuit. Heaters, especially on high, use a lot of current. Do not leave space heaters unattended for an extended period of time.

• Inspect flue pipes for leaks. This may be done by your service man.

• Be sure wood/coal stoves and fireplaces are installed by qualified persons. This is not a good do-it-yourself project. There are numerous codes to be followed. Your chimney should be inspected/cleaned annually.

• Do not barbecue indoors; it generates carbon monoxide.

• Do not use your gas stove as a heating source. It will emit carbon monoxide fumes.

• Prevent water pipes from freezing - Be sure all water pipes are insulated properly. In extreme temperatures, let a cold water faucet run slowly at night at the far end or upstairs. Running/moving water resists freezing. Do not use a torch to thaw out frozen pipes. Do not permit it to be done. A damaging fire will result. Find another way, such as hot water or a hand-held dryer.