OHIO — The temperatures keep dropping outside. Many areas are experiencing sub-zero wind chills on Wednesday, and it won't get much warmer the next few days.
The Ohio Department of Health is warning residents that while staying warm is important, heating yourself and your home safely can save your life.
Heating up the home unsafely can come with the risk of fire, but it can also come with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The problem with carbon monoxide is that it's an odorless, colorless gas that goes undetected and can lead to oxygen deprivation, and even death.
In the United States, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths a year, more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room and more than 14,000 hospitalizations.
ODH said, especially during the winter, the way people heat up their homes can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips:
- Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside
- Do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space
- Don’t preheat or start your car inside a closed garage
- Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home and that they're working
- After storms, make sure outside stack or vents for dryer, stove, furnace and/or fireplace aren't blocked for proper ventilation
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors
- Never leave lit candles unattended
- Never run a generator indoors (even the basement or garage)
- Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors
- Keep as much heat as possible inside your home
- Check the temperature inside your home often during severely cold weather
- Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warm
- Leave all water taps slightly open during severely cold weather
Carbon monoxide affects the brain and heart the most, according to Mayo Clinic. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
If you feel as though you may be getting carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend getting fresh air immediately, such as opening windows or stepping outside, and get medical care immediately.
For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, click here.