The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is advising citizens to be prepared for the next round of winter weather. Be familiar with winter storm watch and warning messages.
A Winter Storm Watch means severe winter weather may affect your area.
A Winter Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are on the way.
All too often when there are power outages there will either be deaths or serious illness due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms. ADEM cautions residents as follows:
- Do not use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
- Do not use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
- Do not run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
- Do not run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
- Do not leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
- If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
- If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.
It is important for Arkansans to be prepared for disasters. Keep disaster supply kits in homes as well as vehicles. A kit in your car is useful when traveling in winter weather. Have a communications plan established for when family members are separated during a storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school). For additional information, visit www.ready.arkansas.gov.
