November 13, 2009

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling or cooking can cause Carbon Monoxide to build up in a home, garage or camper and to poison the people and animals inside. The most common symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper - or even outside near an open window.

Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detector's batteries should be checked twice annually at the same time smoke detector batteries are checked.

For more information, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.asp, or call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (English and Spanish) or 888-232-6348 (TTY).

Citizens are encouraged to call 311 in Hampton (727-8311 outside of Hampton or from a mobile phone), and receive e-mail updates by signing up for eNews at www.enews.hampton.gov.

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Media Contacts: Dianne R. Foster, Public Information Officer, Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager