Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

[Karen Story]

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

With the current weather system and the increase in power outages in
our region, the City of Kirkland Emergency Management is requesting
you assistance to share this information and help prevent a deadly
situation. Please see the information below and reach out to groups
you are involved with. Encourage everyone to have a plan before it
becomes an emergency.

Main concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and odorless gas that cannot be seen or
smelled and that can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is
produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or
charcoal is burned. Carbon monoxide can build up so quickly that
victims are overcome before they can get help.

During power outages, carbon monoxide poisonings can happen when
people bring charcoal grills and barbecue units into the home for heat
and cooking. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also occur when generators
or propane heaters are used indoors or in areas without sufficient
ventilation.

Immigrant and refugee communities are at particularly high risk
because some immigrant groups come from warm climates where homes had
open ventilation that allowed heating and cooking with open fires and
charcoal. In 2006, King County experienced record numbers of carbon
monoxide poisonings during power outages, particularly among immigrant
residents.

Carbon monoxide warnings

Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you. Carbon monoxide gas comes from
burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, oil, kerosene, natural gas,
coal or wood. You can’t see or smell it.

Prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide:

* Only use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and
vents
* Never use a generator or portable propane heater indoors, in
garages or carports
* Never cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen suddenly and without warning.
Physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include splitting
headache, nausea and vomiting, and lethargy and fatigue.

If you believe you could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning,
get fresh air immediately. Call for medical help from a neighbor's
home. The Fire Department will tell you when it is safe to reenter the
home.

Staying warm indoors safely

If you have a power outage, use safe ways to stay warm:

· Wear several layers of light weight, warm clothing rather
than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear hats, mittens, and blankets
indoors.

· Close curtains and cover windows and doors with blankets.
Everyone should try to stay together in one room, with the door
closed, to keep in body heat.

Help others

· Warn others about carbon monoxide poisoning. Share the
information with neighbors, friends, family and community groups.

· Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they
are elderly or if you think their power might be out.

· If you know someone who has lost electricity, invite them to
your home to stay warm.