Louisianans Should Stay Alert For Carbon Monoxide, The Silent But Deadly Killer
Release Date: February 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-360
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Many victims of Hurricane Katrina are now returning to their homes to find them without electrical power. As they seek out alternate sources for cooking and heating, they may unknowingly put themselves at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
For hurricane survivors now disrupted from their normal household routines, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly high during the cold weather season. Homeowners who continue to use plastic sheeting as a source of temporary roof repair may discover that a roof sealed from the wet weather without adequate ventilation may trap carbon monoxide inside and become deadly.
Carbon monoxide levels can rise to dangerous levels inside a home when residents burn charcoal or use a generator indoors or when cars are left running in attached garages. Also, damaged pipes which lead to natural gas stoves or furnaces may emit this deadly vapor. Already, two deaths have occurred in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as a result of operating generators indoors.
"Often after a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, homes will lose power. Homeowners often use alternate sources of energy to cook and heat," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer for the Louisiana recovery. "We urge people to exercise caution and use good common sense around appliances, not only in the colder months, but year-round."
Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in the United States. It is a gas that has no color, odor, or taste. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble food poisoning or influenza. Symptoms may include headache, weakness, nausea and fatigue. The next stages may include vomiting, chest pain, and confusion and finally unconsciousness, convulsions and death.
Young children and pets may be the first to be effected. However, people who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms.
If you think you, a friend, or a family member are showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, consult a health care professional right away.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, follow these safety tips:
- Purchase a carbon monoxide detector. It works just like a smoke detector to sound an alarm when carbon monoxide in the air reaches hazardous levels.
- Never use a generator indoors; not in garages, crawl spaces or basements.
- Outside, do not put a generator near any household doors, windows, or vents that could let carbon monoxide seep inside the home.
- Do not operate a barbeque grill indoors or in an enclosed porch or garage, even with the door open.
- Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
- Do not adjust the stove pilot lights yourself.
- Do not leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage.
If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home, leave the house immediately and call your local fire department.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 22-Feb-2006 08:42:53