PG&E offers free service checking gas appliances in homes along the Central Coast

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- PG&E is offering free safety checks for gas appliances during the cold weather to ensure people remain safe inside their homes.

PG&E says that they will re-light pilot lights for heaters, furnaces and ovens in addition to other appliances that may have gone out.

They also said that they are hoping these inspections will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning within the home.

"So far this year, PG&E has responded to nearly 3,400 incidents on the Central Coast, where the presence of carbon monoxide was suspected," wrote PG&E in the announcement. "Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year over 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 people visit the emergency room and over 14,000 are hospitalized.

Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, testing them two times per year and double checking the expiration date (they usually have a five- to- seven year shelf life) can help to prevent dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide in the home, according to PG&E.

Additionally, PG&E suggests never using generators, outdoor grills or propane heaters inside, nor use cooking devices like ovens or stoves for heating purposes. They also say that chimney flues should remain open to vent fires properly and that water heaters and other natural gas appliances should also have proper ventilation.

Customers can schedule an appointment online for a PG&E team member to come out and check gas appliances, or call 800-743-5000.