What to do about carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide has no color and no smell. If people have a headache, dizziness, weakness, an upset stomach or confusion, especially several people at once, get everyone into fresh air now and call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Stay outside until firefighters say it’s safe. Never run a generator, grill or car inside a home or garage.

What to do right now

1. Signs: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, confusion. Several people sick at once.
2. Get everyone into fresh air now.
3. Call 911, or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
4. Stay outside until firefighters say it's safe to go back in.

Remember: It has no smell. People asleep can die before they notice.

Symptoms

Carbon monoxide has no color and no smell. Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion. Several people sick at once is a warning sign.

What happened: Texas, February 2021

Millions of Texans lost power in a freeze. Families tried to stay warm with cars in garages and grills indoors. More than 1,400 people sought emergency care for carbon monoxide poisoning that week, and 42% of them were children.

The lesson: Never run a generator, grill or car inside your home or garage. Get a CO alarm.

Get ready before it happens

• Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
• Don't heat your home with a gas oven.
• Install a battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarm.