Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
After an Emergency
What You Need to Know
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an
odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if
inhaled.
When power outages occur during emergencies such as
hurricanes, the use of alternative sources of electricity for lighting,
cooling or cooking can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home,
garage or camper and poison the people and animals inside. CO is found
in fumes produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators,
lanterns, gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these
sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces
potentially causing poisoning or death from breathing the odorless
fumes.
How to Recognize CO Poisoning
Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and
death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness,
weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are
sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning
before ever having symptoms.
Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips
- Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or
portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper or even outside
near an open window.
- Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any
gasoline-powered engine inside a garage or other enclosed structure,
even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is
professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of
debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block
ventilation lines.
- Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure
washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door,
or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
- Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked
in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
- If conditions are too hot, seek shelter with
friends or at a community shelter.
- Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
- Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home
and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your
clocks each spring and fall.
- If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care
professional right away.
CDC - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
From the Palm Beach County Health Dept.
Epidemiology & Disease Control.
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