Blog: Winter Storms Can Lead to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Posted by: Candice Ahwah-Gonzalez at Mar 05, 2013 12:00 AM CST

Keywords: Education, Parents, Safety Tips

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Last month, in Boston, a 14-year-old boy suffered fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. The boy, who had been helping his father shovel snow to free their car, climbed into the running vehicle to warm up. The vehicle’s tailpipe was clogged with snow and the boy died after being exposed to the carbon monoxide (CO) for just a short amount of time.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only case where kids and adults have been overcome by carbon monoxide while sitting in running cars. The February blizzard led to at least 14 deaths in the United States and Canada. My heart goes out to the families and friends and everyone else who has been affected by these tragedies.

With another major snow storm sweeping through the Midwest and headed for the east coast, we want to remind everyone about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).

CO is known as a silent killer because it can’t be seen, tasted or smelled. A child would never know if the poisonous gas was in the air. CO is found in combustion fumes, produced by gas stoves, heating systems, cars, trucks and more. Breathing carbon monoxide fumes decreases a person’s ability to carry oxygen.

Children are especially vulnerable because their smaller bodies process carbon monoxide differently than adults. They may be more severely affected and may show signs sooner. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea and drowsiness.

When it comes to keeping kids safe, we’re all in this together. I hope you’ll share the following tips with your friends, family and neighbors.

• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Don’t leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the doors are open.

• Before you get in your car, do a quick walk-around and check to make sure your tailpipe is not blocked with snow. A simple check can ensure you won’t have any problems with carbon monoxide.

• Be sure to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. If your CO alarm sounds, immediately move outdoors or to an open window or door for some fresh air. Make sure everyone inside your home is accounted for and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Remain outside or by an open window until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

• Don’t use a grill, generator, or camping stove inside your home, garage, or near a window.

• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

• On the outside of your home, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

Here are a few more tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

More About Poison Prevention

• American Association of Poison Control Centers
• Household Poison Prevention Tips

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