University of Illinois McHenry County Extension notes

For more information, call the Extension at (815) 338-3737 or stop in at 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Reports during winter storms and power outages often indicate that people are poisoned by carbon monoxide produced by generators, charcoal grills and other alternative heat sources used for warmth and light.

Last winter, power outages caused by a major storm in Washington left about 100 people poisoned. Such storms can often happen in Illinois.

"While alternative emergency power supplies can be a benefit during power outages, care needs to be taken to only use approved heating methods, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards such as fire," said John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford.

The National Safety Council indicates that about 200 to 300 unintentional poisonings occur each year related to carbon monoxide. Even when electric power is operating, winter can present possible situations for carbon monoxide poisoning. Automobile exhaust fumes in a garage or entering a home, poorly ventilated rooms using gas-burning appliances or fireplaces or faulty appliances are all potential sources.

Homes should be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke and fire detectors.

More information on carbon monoxide poisoning and other winter-related safety issues can be found on the U. of I Extension Web site at www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/winter/health.html.

A person's age and condition can influence their susceptibility to carbon monoxide poisoning, but caution should always be taken to have proper home ventilation and use appliances only in the recommended ways.

Some basic precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include never burning charcoal inside the home or other enclosed area; making sure fireplace dampers are open when the fireplace is in use; following recommended safety precautions when using gas fireplace inserts; never using ovens or gas ranges to heat the home; and choosing vented appliances. Also, properly maintain fuel-burning home appliances such as furnaces, water heaters and stoves. Be sure to keep fireplaces and chimneys clean of creosote buildup or other blockages.

In addition to the U. of I Web site, other university extension programs offer consumer information on cold weather safety, such as North Dakota State University at www.ag.ndsu.edu/disaster/winterstorm/heatsafelyalt.html and University of Maine at www.umext.maine.edu/emergency/tblcontent.htm.