22 N. Georgia Ave.  Suite 300  •  Mason City, IA 50401  •  Phone: 641-421-9300  •  Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581  •  Fax: 641-421-9350

 

 
     Public Health Preparedness

Winter Weather: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.

When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

Every year, more than 500 people die in the U. S. from accidental CO poisoning.

CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning

Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

  • Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
  • Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
  • Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
  • Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
  • Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
  • If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
  • If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.

CO Poisoning in Your Car
With drifting snow and poor visibility, travel becomes more dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a concern when individuals stay in their idling cars.

CO poisoning can be fatal at high concentrations. To prevent CO poisoning, make sure your exhaust pipe is free from snow before starting your vehicle and do not sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running, unless a window is cracked open.

If you are traveling and become stranded in your vehicle, there are steps you can take to increase your safety:

  • Travel with a charged cell phone and emergency kit.
  • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
  • While waiting for assistance, run the motor (and heater) for about ten minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air.

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to early signs of the flu and include:

  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain in people with heart disease
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Impaired vision and coordination.

For more information, download this helpful guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

 

Planning for Emergencies | Cerro Gordo County Public Information Officer |
Cerro Gordo/ Franklin County Emergency Management Agency

 

© 2004 • Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health