This week’s cyclone that pounded the Pacific Northwest left thousands of residents without power and unable to heat their homes. With evening temperatures dropping into the 30s, some people might use alternative methods to stay warm.
UW Medicine Dr. Arvin Akhavan, the medical director of Emergency Services and physician at Harborview Medical Center, says bringing outside heating sources inside is dangerous.
Harborview Medical Center recently treated a family with symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.
“People bring external heat sources and stoves and fires into their home. And when that happens, it releases toxic gas in the home,” he said. Heat sources intended for outside use can fill homes with carbon monoxide, which causes symptoms like headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. The odorless gas can kill you, he added.
He recommends calling 911 right away if you have any symptoms.
Be prepared by installing carbon monoxide detectors inside your home. These detectors might save your life, Akhavan said.
Download broadcast-ready soundbites and related multimedia with Akhavan.
