News Release
Feb. 16, 2021
With power outages from this week’s
winter storm affecting large portions of Texas, the Texas Department of State
Health Services is urging people to use extreme caution with electric
generators and heat sources that produce carbon monoxide.
Generators should only be placed
outdoors at least 10 feet away from buildings.
They should never be operated indoors or in garages. Likewise, cars
should not be run inside a garage, even with the door open, because carbon
monoxide can build up, leading to death. Outdoor grills, camp stoves and other appliances
meant for open-air use should not be used to heat a home because they, too,
create carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and
invisible gas produced by burning gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal and other
fuel. If it builds up in a confined space and people breathe it in, it can
replace the oxygen in their blood leading to carbon monoxide poisoning and
death.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
include dizziness, drowsiness, severe headache, weakness, nausea and confusion.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should go – or be moved to – a
well-ventilated area outdoors and receive immediate medical attention.
People without power can take steps
to stay warm by:
- Closing
blinds or curtains to trap heat inside.
- Closing
off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Stuffing
towels or rags in cracks under doors.
- Eating
and drinking because food can warm the body.
- Wear
multiple layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing.
Those who need a warm place to go due
to the winter weather affecting Texas can locate approximately 200 warming
centers across the state at tdem.texas.gov/warming-centers.
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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov