DHSS Press Release

PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO HOME HEATING OIL SPILLS

Many Delawareans have used fuel oil for years to heat their homes without ever having a spill, but homes occasionally become contaminated. Heating equipment and delivery problems are the main causes of spills, but there are other causes of contaminated properties. For example, flood waters containing fuel oil contaminated a number of yards and houses in Delaware as a result of recent hurricanes, tropical storms, and winter storms.

Home heating oil is also called fuel oil or “number 2” fuel oil. Most oil-heated homes have tanks in the basement. Potential exposure and clean-up depends on whether contamination effects the soil, groundwater or indoor air, and how much contamination is present.

Vapors and odors from heating oil are less toxic than gasoline, but can be very unpleasant. Individual reactions vary, but can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat after breathing vapors. Skin contact can cause a mild irritation. These symptoms are not long-lasting and typically go away as the odor decreases.

PREVENTION

• The best way of preventing fuel oil contamination is to have your furnace checked every year by a qualified service company or your local oil delivery company.
• Be ready. Program into your phone or post the 24-hour oil spill hotline numbers (below) where you can quickly find them.
• If there is a spill, avoid getting fuel oil on your skin and avoid breathing oil vapor for extended periods of time. If you must enter the spill area, wear rubber boots, gloves and protective eyewear. If oil contacts your shoes, try not to track it to other areas.
• If the odor is strong in living areas of your home, you may need to temporarily move out until the clean-up is complete. This is especially wise if the household includes young children, the elderly or people with chronic health conditions.

FOR A SPILL

If You Smell Oil Or See Standing Oil – Report It!

• Open outside doors and windows to release contaminated air.
• Call your local fire department.
• Call 1-800-662-8802. Verizon Wireless customers should dial #367. This is Delaware’s 24-hour spills hotline, staffed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Emergency Response Team (DNREC).
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  Prevent An Explosion Or Fire

• Turn off all flames – pilot lights, stoves, candles, gas fire logs, etc.
• Do not smoke! Put out all cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
• Do not touch light switches, outlets, radios, stoves, dryers or any other electrical equipment until the spill is completely cleaned up. These items can cause a spark or get hot.

• Control Odors

• Open outside doors and windows to release contaminated air.
• Turn off forced hot air heating and/or central air conditioning and close or cover the grills.
• Close the door from the basement to first floor. Use a plastic shower liner or plastic table cloth to cover all cracks and gaps between the door, wall, and floor.
• If strong odors in the living space remain a problem, homeowners may need to discard rugs, drapes, clothing, and other items that contact fuel oil.

Cleaning/Recovery

A licensed environmental contractor may be needed if fuel oil has soaked into the soil, entered groundwater, or a large amount has been spilled. DNREC can provide guidance on the type of work you will need. If the person or company causing the contamination can be identified, they may be legally responsible for covering the costs of clean-up.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.