Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, often dubbed the “silent” or “invisible killer.” reason. When a powerful storm or hurricane cuts the power off in your home, a few Floridians die from CO gas, because we make mistakes using portable generators and emergency cooking and heating devices.
On average, more than 150 people in the United States die from CO poisoning associated with consumer products like generators. “Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces,” (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). But CO poisonings are easily preventable.
Keep you and your family safe with important tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Generators – NEVER run a portable generator, charcoal grills or camp stoves inside your home or garage, even if the doors and windows are open. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your house. It’s understandable to want to keep your generator from being stolen. Instead of keeping it close to the house, put a chain and lock on it or keep it inside a locked fence (wheels removed).
CO detectors – Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.
Grills, BBQs, etc. – NEVER cook with fossil fuel (propane gas, charcoal, kerosene, etc.) inside an enclosed area like your home or garage, even with the windows and doors open. Like generators, keep them at least 20 feet away from openings to the house or car.
Heating – Although we don’t usually need to heat our homes in South Florida, it’s important to NEVER use a gas stove as a heating source. It can emit deadly CO for hours undetected, or the flame can go out by mistake and quickly fill the home with natural gas. Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
Fireplace – Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
Know the signs – Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
More information: Consumer Protect Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center
Florida Department of Health, www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/carbon-monoxide
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, www.cdc.gov/co
