Every time a wind or ice storm knocks down trees and breaks power lines, utility crews work hard to get the electricity flowing back to customers. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it can take quite a while before utility crews can restore power to everyone.
That can be a concern.
During extended outages some families make the mistake of trying stay warm by starting a charcoal fire or running a gasoline-powered generator inside the house.
Exhaust from these sources and from camp stoves, gasoline or kerosene space heaters, any gas-powered engine or lantern can kill people and pets, because these devices emit deadly carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled but can harm or kill in minutes, if not vented to the outside.
After a 2006 windstorm in the Seattle area, more than 300 people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Eight people died.
According to the Washington Department of Health, the deaths resulted from burning charcoal in enclosed spaces. In a follow-up study, records showed that from 1990 to 2005, 1,197 Washington residents died from acute exposure to carbon monoxide.
Nationwide, some 1,000 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and others suffer permanent brain damage because of exposure to the gas.
Bob West, an energy counselor with Clark Public Utilities, recommends that all homes with a fireplace, a gas stove, a wood-burning stove or any similar device be equipped with a carbon monoxide tester.
Washington legislators found the danger so compelling that they approved a new regulation requiring that carbon monoxide alarms be installed in most newly constructed residences starting July 1. For more information about the new rule, go online to http://www.ga.wa.gov/sbcc/ then click the “carbon monoxide alarm” page.
Avoiding danger during a power outage:
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during a power outage:
• Never bring a charcoal or gas grill into an enclosed space, such as inside your home, garage or in a tent or camper, warns the state health department.
• Don’t burn charcoal in your fireplace. A charcoal fire will not create a chimney draft strong enough to push the carbon monoxide to the outside.
• Never use a gas-powered generator inside your home, garage, carport, and basement or even near an outside window, door or vent. According to the state health department, even at 15 feet away, “air flow patterns could still blow carbon monoxide into homes through attic vents, windows, or doors.”
• Never use a gas range or gas oven to heat your home.
• Never sleep in a room while using an unvented gas or kerosene heater.
Poisoning symptoms:
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion and nausea. Breathing in high levels of the gas can cause loss of consciousness and death. People who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever knowing they are being exposed to the gas.
Prevention at home:
Health department and Clark Public Utilities experts recommend that homeowners have oil and gas appliances as well as fireplaces checked annually by a trained professional. Chimneys and flues should routinely be checked and cleaned. Experts warn against burning anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented. Don’t use unvented space heaters.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, leave your home immediately and call 911. If appropriate, call your gas company. Don’t go back in your house until the problem is fixed.
Detection devices:
Carbon monoxide detection devices come with several labels. They may be called testers, alarms, or detectors. They range in price from as low as $18 to about $50. Most hardware and home improvement stores sell the devices. Experts suggest that like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
For more information about carbon monoxide detectors, poison prevention and how to prepare for a power outage, go to the Clark Public Utilities website at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com, use the search box with the words carbon monoxide to find articles on the topic. Or visit the Washington Department of Health website at http://www.doh.wa.gov. Then search for the carbon monoxide poisoning fact sheet.
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668. Past topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
