NYSEG and RG&E Provide Customer Safety Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Exposure

BINGHAMTON, NY - November 15, 2021 - New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) remind customers to take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their family from dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Customers can enhance early detection by installing and ensuring functionality of their carbon monoxide detectors.

A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide is found in combustion byproducts such as those produced by small gasoline engines, generators, or by burning charcoal, coal, oil, wood, propane or natural gas. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur within a matter of minutes. Customers who suspect a carbon monoxide problem should immediately exit the premises and call the utility or 911. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include: flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and loss of muscle control.

The companies remind customers that the easiest way to prevent becoming a victim of carbon monoxide is early detection - installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. State law requires that all New York State residences have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The companies also urge customers to check and replace the battery on a regular schedule and to also have their home heating system, water heater and any other coal, oil, wood, propane and natural gas burning appliance inspected and maintained annually by a professional. They offer the following additional tips:

Report Emergencies

Call NYSEG at 800.572.1121 or RG&E at 800.743.1702 to report gas leaks, odors or emergencies. If you suspect a leak, get up and get out, leave the building and call from a safe place. If there's an immediate danger, call 911.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be located on every level of your home, including outside all sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year, when you change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time.

Appliances

Never use your stove or oven to stay warm. Only space heaters intended for indoor use should be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Home Generators

When operated improperly, portable generators can also cause carbon monoxide problems. Those looking to operate portable generators should operate them outdoors in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area, and never indoors or in a garage. They should also make sure exhaust gases are safely vented away from the house, windows or other enclosed areas. Generators that plug into a home's electrical system should be installed by a licensed electrician via a transfer switch.

NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of AVANGRID Inc.

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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

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