During this time of the year, when temperatures begin to fall, families seek alternative methods to heat their homes. Some of those methods can produce carbon monoxide (CO) often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its odorless and colorless gas. Each year, in the U.S., hundreds of people die, and thousands become ill from CO poisoning. Heating sources that produce carbon monoxide include generators, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
CO poisoning can be difficult to recognize since many of its symptoms mimic other illnesses. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.
The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System advises residents to take the following precautions to avoid being a victim of CO poisoning:
CO Alarms
Heating System
Have a qualified technician annually inspect your heating system and chimneys to make sure they are operating properly and that there is nothing blocking the fumes from being vented out of the house.
Appliances
Vehicles
For more information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration usfa.fema.gov, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cpsc.gov, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov.
For additional safety tips on various hazards and disasters, visit www.pwcgov.org/ready.
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