How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

LOCAL — MEMA offers the following advice on how to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during a power outage.

• Place your generator outdoors in the fresh air. Keep it away from windows or doors. Do not put a generator in a closed or partly closed space, like a basement, cellar bulkhead or attached garage. Carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels in these spaces.

• Use kerosene heaters only in a well-ventilated room. Keep doors to other rooms open or keep a window open at least one inch. Use only K-1 grade fuel in kerosene heaters. Read the directions for setting the wick height.

• Do not use outdoor cooking devices indoors like gas or charcoal grills and gas camp stoves.

• Do not use gas appliances like ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.

•  Always turn off your vehicle in a garage.

• Place a carbon monoxide detector that is battery powered (or has battery backup power) in the hallway outside each sleeping area. Be sure Underwriters Laboratory certifies the CO detector. Look for the UL mark with the “Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm” statement. CO detectors are in most stores.

• If you or anyone in your home thinks you are being poisoned:

               a. Leave the house at once

               b. Call 911 for emergency assistance

               c. Get medical attention. Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or your doctor after you leave the house.

               d. Do not go back into the building until the fire department tells you it is safe.