Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After a Disaster
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. When power outages occur during natural disasters and other emergencies, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.
Overview
Clinical Guidance
Public Service Announcements
- Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During a Power Outage
- Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Non-Disaster)
Additional Resources
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Flyers and Other Educational Materials
- Generator Safety E-card
- Video: The Quiet Killer
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Website
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet
- Prevention Guidelines
- References:
- MMWR: Carbon Monoxide Poisonings After Two Major Hurricanes --- Alabama and Texas, August--October 2005
- MMWR: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Hurricane Katrina --- Alabama, Louisiana, & Mississippi, August--September 2005
- MMWR: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Hurricane-Associated Use of Portable Generators—Florida, 2004
- Page last reviewed: August 8, 2013
- Page last updated: June 20, 2014
- Content source: