The silent killer, Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. We urge Westfield Gas + Electric customers to take steps to prevent exposure to this harmful gas, which claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and impacts thousands more.

While many household items—including gas and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills—produce this poison gas, keeping your family and loved ones safe is easy.

Make sure you’ve taken the following steps to guard against Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home and within 10 feet of bedroom doors.
• Test CO detectors regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
• Get your oil or gas-burning furnace inspected yearly.
• Use portable generators outside only. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from home, doors, and windows, keeping all doors and windows closed.

If you suspect poisoning, or if your CO detector sounds an alarm, retreat to fresh air immediately and call for help by dialing 911 or call Westfield Gas + Electric’s emergency number at 413-572-0000.

You can visit these sites for additional information:

• Mass.gov Carbon Monoxide Safety
• National Safety Council
• Safe Kids Worldwide

Natural gas meter equipment has a vent to regulate pressure. Snow that accumulates on or around the vent can obstruct the opening, creating a hazardous situation. Keep your family safe this winter by following these important steps:

• Don’t use a snowblower or snow plow near your meter; carefully shovel around it.
• Use a broom or your hand to gently brush away any snow on the meter.
• Look up! Carefully remove icicles forming on your roof line to prevent meter or piping damage and to avoid a potential gas leak.
• Ice on your meter that won’t brush off? Don’t kick or hit the meter; call us and we’ll send someone to remove it.
• A clear path to your meter allows our technicians quick access in an emergency.
• Keep accumulated snow away from all exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.