Find It! A-Z Index | Use of gas-powered appliances such as generators, and charcoal or gas grills following a storm increases the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases and fatalities. However, improper use of this equipment can lead to serious injury or even death. Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer.” It is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, carbon monoxide may cause: Chest pains for those with heart disease Shortness of breath upon exertion In severe cases, death VDH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. Never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.

Always locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents and air-conditioning equipment that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Position the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and flues) inspected each year for proper operations and leakage. Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors or plug-in carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The carbon monoxide detectors should conform to the latest safety standards for carbon monoxide detectors (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01). Test your carbon monoxide detectors frequently and replace dead batteries. If your carbon monoxide detector indicates high levels of carbon monoxide, leave the building immediately and call 911.

Remember that you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide and portable generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.ac window unit inside If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. liquid line on ac unit If you have a poisoning emergency, call the national Poison Information Center number at (800) 222-1222. air conditioning unit remote controlIf the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently have provided 30- and 15-second carbon monoxide awareness public service announcements in English and Spanish. The CDC is encouraging radio stations to download the public service announcements free from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/carbonmonoxide.asp.

Other broadcast and print media can also use the information to alert viewers and readers. © Copyright 2016 Virginia Department of Health. WAI Level A Compliant.Your nearest store doesn't match your preferred store. Do you want to change the nearest store as your preferred store? Click "YES" to clear all the customer data, cart contents and start new shopping session. Your current shopping session will get automatically reset in seconds. If you are still active user then please click "NO" Changing your store affects your localized pricing. This includes the price of items you already have in your shopping cart. Are you sure you want to change your store? Your nearest store doesn't match your preferred store. Please enter your ZIP code to view local pricing Why is this information important? To Check In-Store Availability Not in the United States? For details,please view our Privacy Policy Great brands to keep you cool Cooling Supplies Buying Guide

The Port-A-Cool Hurricane 3600 Portable Evaporative Cooler features a unique housing design that allows more concentrated airflow. Digital controls include a low water shutoff, timer, and temperature sensor. The Port-A-Cool Hurricane 3600 has Digital Control Panel and the largest Airflow of any 36 in. Evaporative Cooler in the industry. Shop all Evaporative Coolers The NewAir 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is powerful enough to quickly cool a 525 square foot area. Built with commercial-quality components, this unit also features an energy-efficiency boosting function. Just add water to the tank to improve performance and save on energy use! Enjoy 14,000 BTUs of cooling power while spending less. It's fully portable, with an easy-to-install window kit provided, and includes automatic temperature controls for your continuous comfort. Shop all Air Conditioners The CountyLine Heavy-Duty Wall Mounted Barn Fan is a great choice for barns, workshops, garages and warehouses.

This wall-mounted fan provides an economical and reliable solution for areas where floor space is limited, or when overhead air circulation is required. Soothe cough and cold symptoms while adding moisture to dry environments with the Luma Comfort Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier. Featuring both warm and cool mist functions, the HCW10B is a perfect household addition during cold and flu season. With both automatic humidity control and a digital LED display panel, the HCW10B is one of the most advanced humidifiers on the market today. The HCW10B is nearly silent, making it the perfect humidifier for bedrooms, nurseries, living spaces and even offices and work areas. Featuring an easy-to-clean, removable antibacterial water tank, the Luma Comfort warm/cool mist humidifier can run for up to 40 hours on a single tank. A demineralization cartridge helps soften hard water to prevent scale buildup, and coupled with the low water level indicator, this results in nearly maintenance-free operation.