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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages. When power outages occur during emergencies such as winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating or cooking can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in a home, garage, or camper and can kill the people and animals inside. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.
* Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
Alternate heating sources can include properly used generators and
well-maintained fireplaces.
* Prevent carbon monoxide emergencies.
O Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil,
or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every
year.
O Install a CO detector with a working battery to alert you of
the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
O Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and
disorientation. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO
poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
O Always “warm up” your car or truck outside of your garage.
Attached garages can leak CO fumes into your house, even if you leave
the door open.
O Check to be sure your stove or fireplace is properly vented
before burning anything in it.
O Never heat your house with a gas oven.
O Keep grills and generators out of the house and garage.
Position generators at least 25 feet from the house.
* Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in
clean containers.
* Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
O battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps;
o extra batteries;
o first-aid kit and extra medicine;
o baby items; and
o cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
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