Kerosene Heaters and Grills Still Pose Dangers

Kerosene Heaters and Grills Still Pose Dangers (Frankfort, KY) Preliminary results from a survey of more than 500 households in 10 Western Kentucky counties over the weekend indicate serious safety concerns remain for those still without power, health officials announced today. The most striking preliminary finding indicates that many Kentuckians in these areas are at continued risk for carbon monoxide poisoning due to the improper use of generators, kerosene heaters and grills. The biggest problem observed involved generators being used in enclosed areas or too close to the home. Findings also indicated that carbon monoxide detectors are playing a key role in saving lives. As Kentuckians continue to recover from the affects of the severe winter storm, the Division of Emergency Management and FEMA are working to coordinate local, state and federal resources available under the presidents disaster declaration covering 93 counties. The Kentucky Department for Public Health is conducting an assessment of specific needs and issues in communities experiencing the largest impact from the ice storm. CDC mobilized 28 Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, subject matter experts and supporting staff for the door-to-door sampling. Some specific health and safety recommendations: b" Make sure generators are a safe distance from the home, approximately 25 feet away. b" If you have a carbon monoxide detector, check to make sure the batteries are active. b" If you dont have one, install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. b" If the detector sounds, leave the home immediately and call 911. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Poisoning from carbon monoxide is treatable, if detected early. b" If you are using a kerosene heater, follow the manufacturers instructions carefully for their specific heater model and make sure the wick is clean and set at the proper level. b" Operate kerosene heaters in a well-vented area. Leave a door open to the rest of the house or keep an outside window open to ensure an adequate flow of fresh air. Infants, small children and pets should be kept away from heaters to avoid serious burns. b" Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue, and some survey teams encountered individuals with such symptoms at affected homes. b" Gas and charcoal grills and camp stoves designed to be operated outdoors should never be used inside your home, basement or garage or near a window. On the web: http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm (Copyright 2007 Newsroom Solutions, LLC) Delivered by Newsroom Solutions RNS-02-10-09 1103CST