Summer Storm Safety
Don’t become a summer storm victim!
During summer there’s a greater chance for severe weather and tornados in the Midwest. We have already seen the catastrophic damage these types of storms can do to our neighbors but if you should find yourself without power due to storms please follow these safety guidelines if using a gas-powered generator or other alternative heating or power sources. If not used properly, they can cause carbon monoxide poising.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas formed when fuel is burned. The only way to tell if it is present is with a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels within minutes in enclosed spaces.
Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, but not a fever. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when the power is out:
- NEVER run a generator inside your house, in your garage, or near windows and doors. (If theft is a concern, lock it to a tree or fence.)
- NEVER use charcoal or propane grills or camp stoves indoors.
- NEVER use portable heaters powered by propane or kerosene indoors.
- NEVER leave your vehicle running idol in the garage.
- Place a battery powered carbon monoxide detector on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or if your carbon monoxide alarm is going off during a power outage, open a window, get fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
For more information about carbon monoxide prevention, visit www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html