Carbon Monoxide Dangers

This info is from Pierce County Emergency Management. While they are experiencing much worse weather than we are, this is still a good reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

As power outages and falling temperatures continue in Pierce County, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Carbon monoxide is caused by burning almost anything inside your house. It is a colorless, odorless gas which can go undetected until it is too late. It is important to be aware of the risk of serious injury or possible death from carbon monoxide poisoning. If your home is without power, consider going to a family or friends house, the mall, movie theater, or even a warming center.

To avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these tips:

• DO NOT burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages, or mobile homes.
• DO NOT burn charcoal in the fireplace in your home.
• DO NOT use any gasoline-powered equipment indoors.
• DO NOT use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• DO NOT idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
• DO NOT sleep in a room while using an unvented kerosene heater.

Always DO these things:
• Make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
• Have oil and gas appliances, fireplaces and wood stoves checked every year by a trained professional.
• Every home should have a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm, but this should not replace the other prevention steps.
What should you do if you think someone has been poisoned by carbon monoxide?
• Move the person to a place with fresh air immediately.
• Call 911 if the person has lost consciousness (fainted or passed out).
• If the person did not lose consciousness take the person to an emergency room and tell them that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.

Additional information can be viewed on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department website in Spanish, Russian, Korean, and Vietnamese.