MOSES LAKE - With winter arriving, Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones reminds people about the hazards of fuel-powered appliances and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. The primary hazard to avoid when using a generator is carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled and it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned.
In 2007, three Royal City children died and two were sickened due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a generator running inside a home. In June 2009, two Kahlotus brothers died in a cistern after being overcome by carbon monoxide from a gas-powered pump.
Sheriff Jones reminds everyone:
• Never use gasoline powered equipment indoors. It can be difficult to determine how much ventilation is adequate, therefore, always use this kind of equipment outdoors.
• Never operate or burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages, or mobile homes. Do not burn charcoal in the fireplace in your home.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
• Never sleep in a room while using an unvented gas or kerosene heater.
• Make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
• Have oil and gas appliances and fireplaces as well as wood stoves checked every year by a trained professional.
• Carbon monoxide warning devices may provide additional protection, but should not replace the other prevention steps.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness. If you experience these symptoms, get out of the building and call 9-1-1 right away.
The members of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
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