DHS: Cold weather increases risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Properly Maintained and Working Home Heating Devices and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives
MADISON—The National Weather Service predicts this could be the coldest November on record for parts of Wisconsin. That means furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment will be getting a work out, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants to remind residents to take action to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
“As soon as colder weather arrives, we begin to see more emergency room visits due to carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. “To prepare for winter weather, Wisconsin residents should ensure their source of heat and their carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.”
On average, carbon monoxide poisoning sends about 450 people per year to the emergency room in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking Program. These trips to the ER for carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable when people are prepared.
This advice also applies to the thousands of deer hunters who may soon be camping in cabins, recreational vehicles, or tents.
“First, gasoline or propane heaters should never be used in a home, cabin, tent, recreational vehicle, or anywhere without ventilation,” McKeown stated. “Grills, be they gas or charcoal, should NEVER be used indoors as a heating source.” While carbon monoxide detectors are required in Wisconsin residences, McKeown also encourages hunters and other campers to invest in a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector for use in cabins, tents, RVs, or wherever they may be camping.
Other safety tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors. All homes and duplexes in Wisconsin are required to have detectors on every level, including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Detectors can be purchased at most hardware stores.
- Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a professional to make sure it is functionally sound and vents properly outside the home.
- Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a door open to the outside.
- Generators should be run a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage, or right next to windows or doors.
At high levels, carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. If you suspect you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, or your detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.
For more information about carbon monoxide, visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/epht/CO/index.htm
To view the carbon monoxide detector requirements for Wisconsin, visit: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/safety_and_buildings_and_environment/326_360/328.pdf
To learn more about properly installing a carbon monoxide detector, visit: http://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Industry%20Services/Forms/Fire%20Prevention/Publications/SB-FormFirePrevCOAlarms10882.pdf
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