Winter Tips To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Recent power outages caused by bad weather have prompted people to turn to generators and other alternative sources of power, heat, and light. The US EPA is reminding citizens across New England that using a generator or other fuel-burning device within a home can produce carbon monoxide that can kill.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is burned.

EPA’s advice is simple and straightforward:

*Do not use fuel-burning devices such as gasoline-powered generators, gasoline-powered pressure washers, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills in homes, garages, or any other confined space such as attics or crawl spaces, or within ten feet of windows, doors, or other air intakes.

*Have vents and chimneys checked to assure that debris does not block or impede the exhaust from water heaters and gas furnaces.

*If you start to feel sick dizzy or weak while using a fuel-burning appliance, get to fresh air right away.

*Go to the emergency room and tell the physician you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.