CHEYENNE – Feb. 23, 2023 – Sub-zero temperatures have descended on Wyoming and surrounding states, keeping people indoors and causing some to consider additional steps to stay warm, some of which could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide build-up or poisoning.
Five cold weather safety tips
- Make sure your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from obstructions or debris
- Never use gas ranges, ovens or gas grills to heat your home.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors, including replacing the batteries, and inspect them regularly.
- Natural gas smells like rotten eggs for a reason. If your nose picks up this scent, immediately leave the area and then call 911 once you’re away from the site.
- Wait for Black Hills Energy or emergency personnel to arrive before re-entering the building. Emergency personnel will let you know when it’s safe to return.
Learn how to detect carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious illness or even death. While you can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, you can detect conditions that may produce it.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Soot buildup on or near a fireplace or furnace chimney.
- A pilot light that keeps going out.
- Discolored gas burners.
- Excessive humidity such as heavily frosted windows.
- Fireplaces that smoke or won't draw.
- Physical symptoms such as: a headache, nausea, coughing, ringing in the ears, smarting eyes, a ruddy complexion, light-headedness and drowsiness.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, leave the premises, and call 911.
Your local fire department may conduct a carbon monoxide inspection. Some fire departments charge for this service. Follow the Consumer Product Safety Commission guide and install at least one UL-listed CO alarm. Remember, you can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide.
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Early Signs
- Stale or stuffy air
- Excessive moisture on windows and walls
- Soot build-up around your appliance vents
- Abnormal gas flame on an appliance
Mild Exposure: slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue (flu-like symptoms).
Medium Exposure: throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, rapid heart rate and irregular breathing.
Extreme Exposure: convulsions, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure and brain damage. These symptoms may result in death.
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