Carbon monoxide: A forgotten severe weather threat
Here's how to limit your risk of CO poisoning at home – especially in the aftermath of severe weather.
Around 50,000 people seek emergency department treatment and at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). People are especially susceptible to CO poisoning after severe weather events that leave them without power, like hurricanes and winter storms, when they may utilize alternative fuel sources in enclosed areas.
CO is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, including kerosene, propane, natural gas, charcoal and wood. It is also produced by machines with internal combustion engines, like vehicles, lawn mowers and generators. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 47 deaths in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 are attributed to generator-related CO poisoning.
As CO is a colorless, odorless gas, it can be undetectable to those exposed until it is too late and, according to the CDC, those who are asleep or have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms of CO poisoning in humans include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, confusion dizziness and headache.
Pets are also vulnerable to CO poisoning, so keep an eye out for any symptoms they may experience, and bring them along if you choose to leave your home for alternative shelter in the aftermath of a weather event.
According to PetMD, symptoms of CO poisoning in pets include sleepiness, cherry red skin and mucus membranes, weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, uncoordinated movements, nausea, vomiting, cough and flu-like symptoms.
To prevent becoming a victim of CO poisoning, the CDC recommends the following:
- Don’t use a gas range or oven to heat a building.
- Never leave your vehicle’s motor running in an enclosed space, like the garage.
- Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.
- Never run a vehicle, generator, pressure washer or any other gasoline-powered engine near an open window, door or vent where CO could get inside an enclosed area.
- Never use a charcoal grill, lantern or camping stove inside of your home, tent or camper.
- If you lose power and are either too hot or too cold in your home, it’s best to seek alternative housing – like staying with a friend who has power or going to a hotel – rather than risk heating your home with a CO-producing alternative.
- Install battery-operated CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
- Have oil and gas furnaces inspected annually.
- If you think you have CO poisoning, immediately seek medical help.