Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that, if breathed, can cause sudden illness and death. Blackouts during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, you should try to use other energy or electricity sources for heat, refreshing or cooking. Carbon monoxide from these sources can accumulate in your home, garage or camper and intoxicate people and animals inside.
• Never use generators, pressure washing machines, grills, camping kitchens, or other devices operated by gas, propane gas, natural gas or coal inside your home, basement, garage or trailer, or outdoors while near to windows, doors or open vents.
• Do not use gas ovens to heat your home.
• If you are very hot or cold, or if you need to prepare food, do not expose yourself or family to CO intoxication danger; seek help of friends, relatives or go to your community’s shelter. If it is necessary to use a different source or energy or electricity, make sure you do it outdoors and away from open windows.
• If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911.
• Attend doctor immediately if you think you have been intoxicated by carbon monoxide and feel dizzy, dazed or feel nauseous.
Every year, more than 400 people die due to accidental carbon monoxide intoxication. Carbon monoxide is found in gases from combustion, such as the produced by small, gasoline operated engines, ovens, generators, lanterns and gas stoves, or through burning vegetable coal and wood. Carbon monoxide emitted by these sources may lodge in closed or semi-closed spaces.
People and animals in these closed or semi-closed spaces can get intoxicated and die from breathing carbon monoxide.
How to spot carbon monoxide intoxication
Carbon monoxide exposure can cause unconsciousness and death. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide intoxication are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomit, chest pains and confusion. Sleeping people or those that have been drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide intoxication even before symptoms begin manifesting. If you think you are intoxicated by carbon monoxide, see a health professional immediately.
