Winter Isn't Over Yet - Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

This time of the year, temperatures tend to fluctuate throughout the day — daytime temperatures are spring-like, but outside temperatures begin to fall as evening approaches. 

To keep warm throughout the night, families resort to alternative methods of heat, some of which 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 carbon monoxide poisoning produced by furnaces, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces and generators.  

Symptoms of 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 experiencing symptoms. Prince William County Fire and Rescue System Acting Chief James Forgo urges residents to take the following precautions to avoid being a victim of CO poisoning.

Use CO Alarms

Choose CO alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory and install them in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards following the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries; if the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, get everyone outside the home and call 911 immediately.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing
CO alarms are available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visit the Hearing Associates of Northern Virginia, LLC at https://hearingassociatesofnova.com/2019/01/23/carbon-monoxide-detectors-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/ for more information.

Heating System
Have a qualified technician annually inspect your heating system and chimneys to ensure they are operating properly and that nothing is blocking fumes from being vented out of the house.

Appliances
During and after a winter storm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of debris. A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors more than 20 feet away from windows, doors and vent openings. Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use them outside. Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short period.

Vehicles

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked by snow, ice or mud.

For more information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Protection Association, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.