September 15, 2008

Little Rock -- Public health officials are urging caution during the recovery and clean-up stages following the high winds and flooding caused by the recent storms in Arkansas. Dr. William Mason, Incident Commander for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Little Rock says that the recovery phase can be the most dangerous part of any disaster.

“We are especially concerned about the use of small generators and power washers right now,” Mason said. “We just want people to protect themselves and their families from the dangers posed by use of this kind of equipment,” he continued. “Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within minutes, and it can kill you or make you very sick.”

Do not use generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as garages or basements, even with doors or windows open. Do not put these devices outside near an open door, window, or air vent. You could be poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas from burning fuel such as gasoline, charcoal, or propane. Make sure a battery or electric powered CO detector is functional to alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated. Other symptoms can include fatigue, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Safety information on a number of clean-up and recovery topics is located on the ADH Disaster Recovery website at http://www.healthyarkansas.com/disaster_recovery.html and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/ .

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