When electricity goes out during a hurricane or ice storm, people often turn to gasoline-powered generators for power, use charcoal or gas grills for cooking, or use kerosene heaters for warmth. But many people do not realize that those generators, grills and heaters can create dangerous—and deadly—carbon monoxide gas if used in enclosed areas.

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but it can kill you and your family or make you very sick. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel is burned, including gas, oil, kerosene, propane, wood, or charcoal. In an enclosed space, CO can build up to deadly levels without anyone noticing it.

High levels of CO can kill people in minutes if they do not immediately get fresh air. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels of CO can cause dizziness, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have long-term effects on your health. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever becoming aware of any symptoms. If you suspect CO is present in the home, get out of the house immediately, get fresh air, and seek medical help.

To keep yourself and your family safe, follow these precautions:

• DON’T ever use a charcoal grill or propane stove indoors – even in a fireplace.
• DON'T use a generator indoors (or any other gasoline-powered engine, such as a mower or chain saws). Indoor spaces include, including 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.
• DON’T run a gasoline-powered generator next to the house near any windows, doors or vents—carbon monoxide can enter a home that way, too.
• DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• DON’T idle your car or truck in the garage– even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• DO install an outside gasoline-powered generator in a dry place well away from doors or windows to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the house.
• DO follow the instructions that come with your generator or any fuel-burning device. Locate the unit outdoors, away from doors, windows, and vents. Use the proper fuel and make sure there is enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
• DO keep rooms well-ventilated.
• DO install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

• DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
• DO GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
• DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. See a doctor to be sure.

For more information on carbon monoxide, see the Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet, “Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning,” at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html.