goingon
Homeowners Need To Be Aware Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
By: Mike Stiles - Thursday, December 22, 2022

(photo courtesy of CHA)

(COLDWATER) – In addition to preparing for the snow storm, health officials are reminding people to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poising.

Health Officer Rebecca Burns with the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas formed when fuel is burned, that can build up to deadly levels within minutes in enclosed spaces. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea, confusion, vomiting, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Families are encouraged to follow these carbon monoxide poisoning prevention tips: Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside of homes, basements, garages or near a window; Do not use a cooktop or oven to heat their home as these appliances are not designed for this purpose and may result in carbon monoxide poisonings.

In addition, Ensure your home has a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector, which are available at local home improvement and retail stores.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

If your home should lose power, and it’s out for an extended period of time, you should; Discard any potentially hazardous food such as meat, dairy, eggs, cut melons, and cooked vegetables that has been above 41º F for four hours or more, has reached a temperature of 45º F or higher for any length of time, or has an unusual color, odor, or texture.

To keep warm this winter, remember to wear layers of clothing to help keep in body heat.

If you would like more information about carbon monoxide poisoning and staying warm in the winter, you can visit the CHA website. Click Here.

You can also call the CHA office closest to you. In St. Joseph County, the CHA office number is 269-273-2161. In Branch County, you can call 517-279-9561 and in Hillsdale County the number is 517-437-7395.



MORE HEADLINES

>> News Archive