Staying Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from the American Red Cross.
Just like home fires, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can affect anyone and is dangerous. CO is an odorless, colorless gas. People are not usually aware of its’ presence and can get sick or die from breathing in the poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide poisonings occur daily across the country and can happen after any emergency. CO poisonings often increase during power outages as people depend on generators and grills. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas sometimes called “The Invisible Killer.”
- CO kills hundreds of people each year and injures thousands more.
- You cannot see, smell or hear it.
- You can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a long period of time OR by a large amount of CO over a short amount of time.
Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?
- Generators
- Fuel-fired room heaters
- Engine powered cars and trucks
- Small engines such as lawn equipment
- Fuel-fire lanterns
- Fuel-fire grills
- Fireplaces
- Gas ranges and stoves
- Furnaces and boilers
- Fuel-fired water heaters
What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Symptoms vary based on a number of factors, including body size, breathing rate and physical condition. CO poisoning symptoms affect the most vulnerable first including children, pets, older adults, pregnant women and those with medical conditions. The initial symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and can include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling tired
If left untreated, CO poisoning can progress into permanent organ damage and at high levels can quickly kill you. If you have been exposed to CO it is important to get a blood test within 4 hours of the exposure.
Home Safety:
- Make sure all gas appliances are vented properly.
- Have all heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a professional using a portable CO detector. Inspections should check for blockages, corrosion, and disconnections.
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside your home, garage, vehicle, tent or semi- enclosed space like a porch.
- Never leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.
- Do not use portable generators inside your home, basement, garage, crawlspace, shed, or in a semi-enclosed space like a porch.
- Generators, as well as any other equipment with an engine in it, should be used at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
Prevention:
- If you are alerted by either a CO alarm or detector, evacuate immediately.
- Get everyone in the household, including pets, outside immediately to your meeting place. Call 911 once you are outside. Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.
- Document your CO alarm and detectors expiration date. Over time, sensors and batteries expire and become less effective. Replace them following manufacturer guidelines.
The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.
