PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Severe Weather
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Video
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Script
This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
After a hurricane or other severe weather, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide—which is called CO—is a poisonous gas. CO is produced whenever you burn any fuel—such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. Generators, pressure washers, other gasoline-powered tools, and charcoal grills give off high levels of CO. In closed spaces or partially enclosed spaces, CO can build up within minutes. Never use gasoline-powered tools inside—that includes your basement or garage.
Please remember: you cannot prevent buildup of CO by using an exhaust fan—or by opening your garage doors or your windows. Again, never use gasoline-powered equipment inside.
Get a battery-powered CO detector to alert you to dangerous levels of CO in your home.
Be alert to the signs of CO poisoning! If you or anyone else in your home feels sick, dizzy, or weak—it may be caused by carbon monoxide—CO! Get out of the house and seek prompt medical help.
So—Say No to CO! Protect yourself and your family.
To learn more, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or 1-888-232-6348 (TTY) or go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/.
Page last modified August 13, 2007