Mississippians Should Stay Alert For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, A Silent But Deadly Killer
JACKSON, Miss. -- As Mississippians continue to rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, they should stay alert for the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when spending more time in their vehicles or using unfamiliar fuel-burning heaters, generators or appliances in and around their homes. Opening doors and windows or operating fans will not guarantee your safety from this silent but deadly killer.
(PressZoom) - The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly high during the cold weather season for Hurricane Katrina victims who are away from their homes and normal routines. Already, two deaths have occurred in Mississippi as a result of operating generators indoors.
"Often after a natural disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, when people have lost power, they will use alternate sources of energy to cook and heat with," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the Mississippi recovery. "We urge people to exercise caution and use good common sense around these types of appliances not only as we move into the colder months, but year- round."
Carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of fuel-burning appliances kills more than 200 people each year and sends about 10,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Others die from carbon monoxide produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from carbon monoxide produced by cars unintentionally left running in attached garages or gas-powered generators where the exhaust can accumulate in living spaces.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fossil fuel. The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu and include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing. High-level exposure to carbon monoxide can cause death.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ) recommends that consumers use gasoline-powered generators outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Furthermore, every living space should have at least one carbon monoxide detector that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 or the requirements of the International Approval Services 6-96 standard.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Submitted by
FEMA
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