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WALL, NJ – As colder temperatures continue during the winter heating season, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) encourages customers to protect their families from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by taking preventive measures and learning to recognize its symptoms.

Common sources of CO poisoning include:

- Malfunctioning heating equipment
- Blocked chimneys
- Indoor use of barbecue grills
- Using cooking appliances for heating purposes
- Sitting inside an idling vehicle for a prolonged period of time
- Repairing or running engines, such as vehicles, lawnmowers and snow blowers, in an attached garage

The symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and sleepiness; however, with CO poisoning there is usually no fever, and symptoms tend to clear up when you go outside and breathe fresh air. These symptoms will also affect any household pets.

Because it is a colorless, odorless gas, the first line of defense against CO poisoning is to have your heating, hot water and venting systems inspected annually by a qualified technician. Between inspections check your equipment for signs of problems, such as soot or water collecting near a burner or vent. Equipment that uses natural gas should show a clear blue flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem.

Installing a CO detector will give you added protection, but should not replace regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and make sure the detector meets the current IAS 6-96 safety standard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a CO detector on every floor in the hallway near sleeping areas.

If you suspect a problem with an appliance, have a qualified service technician check it. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, call the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) at 1-800-222-1222. If an emergency exists, get fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1. For any additional information about CO, visit the NJPIES Web site at http://www.njpies.org/.

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company. NJNG serves more than 483,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG’s Web site at www.njliving.com.