Stay Safe From Poisonings During Power Outages

Hand holding a flashlight in the dark

During storm season, we often receive calls about carbon monoxide poisoning and food poisoning. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Call us with any questions or for help with a potential poisoning: 1-800-222-1222.

Food: When in doubt, throw it out.

If you kept your fridge/freezer doors closed, food will typically stay safe for:

  • 4 hours in the refrigerator
  • 24 hours in a half-full freezer
  • 48 hours in a full freezer

If it’s been longer than the above lengths of time, throw out perishable items (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers). Never taste food to know if it is safe to eat…When in doubt, throw it out!

If you feel sick and suspect food poisoning, call us for treatment advice (1-800-222-1222).

Carbon monoxide:

Park your car outside to charge devices and warm up.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by burning fuels like gas, wood, or charcoal. Carbon monoxide is poisonous when people breathe it in, because it prevents oxygen from reaching the body’s organs and tissues. This can cause people to pass out and even die. Never run your car in the garage (even if the door is open!), as carbon monoxide can build up quickly. If you need to warm up or charge devices, park your car outside.

Never heat your home with an oven or grill.

Gas ovens and grills (charcoal or gas) can release carbon monoxide into your home. These appliances are also not designed for space heating and can pose serious fire risks.

Need some other ideas to stay warm?

  • Pitch a tent indoors
  • Gather in one room of the house with the door closed, to keep in your combined body heat

Keep generators at least 20 feet away.

Generators are another source of carbon monoxide. Always operate them outside, 20+ ft. away from open windows or intake vents. Never use a generator inside or in garages, carports, or patios.

Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you hear your carbon monoxide alarm go off, head outside immediately. Call 911 to have professionals check if your home is safe. Call us at 1-800-222-1222 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Call 911 if someone has collapsed, is having a seizure, has difficulty breathing, or won’t wake up.