As a cold spell hits North Texas, beware the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning

North Texas can expect temperatures in the teens and 20s by Thursday, which means heating systems in homes will be in full use.

What we cannot see can be very dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning, dubbed the “silent killer,” is the leading cause of accidental deaths in North America.

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide. To monitor carbon monoxide levels, you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed if you have a furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace or emergency generator that burns natural gas, fuel oil, coal or wood.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu. It causes headache, nausea, redness of the skin, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.

According to the Texas Poison Center Network, if you suspect you or someone else is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately and then call the poison center at 800-222-1222. If the person is unconscious, call 911.

Use these tips from the Texas Poison Center Network to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

• Buy a detector at a hardware or big-box store. Install one per floor of your home, close to sleeping areas. Alarms that plug into the wall with a battery back-up system are recommended.
• Have your heating system annually inspected by a qualified professional.
• Check the fireplace chimney or flue for leaves, branches, nests or other blockage.
• Check all alternative heating sources such as space heaters or wood stoves to ensure they are in safe operating condition.
• Always run gas-powered generators in open spaces, never indoors. Make sure they are away from air conditioning units or other air vents.
• Never leave a car running in a closed garage. Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow or ice.
• Never use the gas range or oven for heating.
  
  
• Never burn coal or use charcoal in a closed space.

This story was originally published December 16, 2022 at 11:18 AM.