MEDIA ALERTThe New Jersey Poison Information & Education System - Serving New Jersey Since 1983. Media Contacts: Nancy Sergeant, SGW, 973-263-5471, nsergeant@sgw.com; Alicia Gambino, MA, CHES, NJPIES Director of Public Education, 973-972-9280, agambino@njpies.org.
BREAKING NEWS: Bad storms expected in New Jersey and the area that can cause electrical outages. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is an immediate danger and more prevalent during bad weather.
SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT CO POISONING DURING BAD WEATHER:
In the event of power outages, take these precautions:
1. Have a flash light or candles and matches at the ready.
2. Do not bring portable generators, gas-powered equipment or heating items into a closed home or garage.
3. Never cook or heat with charcoal indoors.
4. Check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector.
5. If you don’t have a detector, install one before the bad weather hits.
6. Keep your home well ventilated. If need be, keep a window slightly cracked to allow air flow.
7. Open flues if you are using a fireplace.
8. Do not idle a car in a closed garage. Once you pull in, immediately turn off the engine.
IF YOU SUSPECT CARBON MONOXIDE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION:
• Get out of the house and
• Contact your local fire department immediately - call 911.
• Do not waste time opening windows or trying to “air” out the house/building; which will delay your escape from possibly dangerous fumes.
Newark, N.J., November 13, 2009— With bad weather storms predicted for this weekend, New Jersey residents are warned to take necessary steps to make sure this Friday the 13th weekend storm passes as safely as possible. During bad weather, it is not uncommon for homes and offices to experience power outages. Responding by bringing generators and gas-powered items indoors is dangerous and potentially poisonous. Many home heating systems have also not yet been properly prepared for the winter and residents may be at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
During bad weather, residents tend to close down their homes, but frequently bring items indoors with them that are potentially more dangerous than the bad weather outside. Carbon monoxide is a particularly danger as it is an odorless and colorless gas that is only easily detected with an installed and fully functional carbon monoxide detector.
Help is Just a Phone Call Away
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, or have questions about the safety of an item in your home, call the Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222). Trained health professionals are on duty 24 hours a day to answer questions and provide guidance and advice. Officials recommend putting the number in all family cell phones as well as programming it as a speed dial number on landlines, and prominently posting the number near home and phones.
For more information on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning click here.
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