Be Aware of This Silent Killer
HUNTSVILLE Ala.
January 7th, 2025
By Rick McCann
Alabama, along with more than 25 states, is experiencing some of the coldest temperatures flowing down from the far north, that we’ve seen in many years.
Northern Alabama may even see some of that white stuff falling and icy roads.
As these colder temperatures make their way this far south, many will crank up the heat for the first time this year and others may light their gas fireplaces or seek other heat sources and some of these may be more dangerous than one might think.
Many do not think about carbon monoxide poisoning.
But the CDC and area medical providers are warning people to be careful when using gas furnaces, gas powered stoves, gas fireplaces, oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills.
According to the CDC, more than 400 people die from Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and more than 100,000 are sent to the emergency room, and over 14,000 are hospitalized every year.
CO is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas produced from gas and other household items often used during power outages like oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills.
“Power outages always bring a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Dr. Steven Franks.
CO is a silent killed and can sneak up on you.
“Since you cannot see, smell, or taste CO, you may not be aware that you are breathing it.”
Symptoms of CO poisoning are described as “flu-like” and include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness, and death.
Many people may not even realize that they have been poisoned.
Very high CO concentrations can cause consciousness loss in only a few breaths.
Everyone is at risk, although infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more vulnerable to getting sick.
Never bring generators inside or leave them near a window or door. Always place them as far away from the house as possible. At least twenty feet or more is recommended.
Warming up your vehicle by letting the engine run in the garage, faulty, clogged, or leaky gas furnaces, or chimneys can also cause a dangerous amount of CO to build up.
Anyone who loses power should follow these safety steps to prevent CO poisoning:
Place portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from homes. Never use portable generators in enclosed spaces such as garages, basements, porches, attics, or crawl spaces.
Don’t use gasoline-powered tools (snow blowers, chain saws) in enclosed spaces.
Do not use a gas oven, charcoal grill, or camping stove to heat homes.
Install carbon monoxide alarms.
If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 immediately!
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