US Health Authorities Issue Warning Over Carbon Monoxide Dangers During And After Hurricane Milton

Federal health officials are warning those living in coastal Florida to be aware of the lethal effects of carbon monoxide or CO poisoning in the aftermath of hurricane Milton in the state. According to officials, high winds and torrential rain are disrupting electricity, forcing people to use gas generators. Experts at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission say the potentially lethal effects of CO emitted by those gas generators

According to estimates by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "more than 400 people die each year in the United States from CO poisoning," the CPSC said in a statement even as Milton made landfall in Florida. "About 92 of those deaths are linked to portable generators," the agency said.

How to safely use gas generators during the storm?

Officials said to evade those deaths, Floridians in the path of the storm must follow a few gas generator safety tips if they lose power:

• Do not operate the generator inside your home during the storm – and that includes garages, porches, and basements as CO being an oduorless gas can stealthily build up and not disperse easily.
• Make sure to use the generator at least 20 feet away from the house and direct its exhaust away from the home or any building a person could enter.
• Follow your generators' operating instructions regarding rainy and windy weather so that you do not get any kind of electrical shock hazards in inclement weather.
• Always buy the models with a CO safety shut-off feature – which turns off automatically when there are high levels of gas detected.
• According to experts, you must make sure to power up your generators with working batteries at all times, but especially ahead of big storms.
• A smoke and CO alarm should be installed on each level of a dwelling and in every bedroom. If your alarm goes off, immediately call 911 for assistance.

How do electric appliances become dangerous in wet weather?

Experts say if you notice a plugged-in electrical appliance has become wet, do not touch it as it may cause electric shock.

If gas or electrical appliances are underwater, always get a professional to check them out before using them.

What is CO poisoning?

According to doctors, Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a life-threatening illness that happens after breathing in fumes that contain the gas. Doctors say when high levels of CO enter your body, it becomes deadly within a few minutes and causes severe headaches and breathlessness. In high concentrations of carbon monoxide, it usually takes less than five minutes to get carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Cleveland Clinic says every year in the United States, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 people. Carbon monoxide poisoning also sends an additional 100,000 people to emergency rooms annually.

Signs and symptoms

A few early warning signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Dizziness and weakness
• Fainting and loss of consciousness
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Mental confusion
• Upset stomach