“We’re in an unprecedented time of low temperatures across the entire state. Because of that, we've had rolling power outages,” Dr. Selby explained. “Several families, including my own, don’t have enough gas to power their heaters. With families struggling to keep warm, I've seen a lot of families go to extreme measures, meaning they're putting things in their home that aren’t safe.”

Dr. Selby has seen families use propane or diesel-burning engines that are meant for outside use with adequate ventilation. Families are also using generators inside or too close to their homes or garages, which emits fumes and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. While generators can help keep you warm and keep your lights on, using them inside your home does more harm than good.

During a press conference hosted by Cook Children’s Wednesday, Phillip Scott, M.D., pediatric hospitalist, said one patient was treated after inhaling fumes from a charcoal grill that the family was using too close to the home. "To treat this patients, what we do is put them on 100% oxygen," Dr. Scott said. "That helps flush the toxin out of their system and replace it with oxygen." 

Those at a higher risk for carbon monoxide poisoning include infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning prevents your blood from being able to bind to or carry oxygen. You suffocate while you are still breathing,” Dr. Selby explained. 

Families need to be aware of what type of heat source they are using and make sure it is safe for indoors. “If you are using anything that burns propane, like a camper stove, it needs to be used exclusively outside and away from the home,” Dr. Selby said. 

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Upset Stomach
• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms

Here are some additional ways to keep your family safe during this time:

• Don’t use anything such as a BBQ grill or propane tank to heat your home.
• Don’t run a vehicle inside of a garage attached to your home.
• Don’t heat your home with a gas oven or stovetop.
• Don’t burn charcoal inside of your home. 
• Do seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do ensure the carbon monoxide detectors in your home are properly functioning and installed in areas that will wake you if it alarms.
• Do check for local resources, such as warming shelters, to keep your family safe. 

Another winter storm could bring several more inches of snow in the coming days. While trying to stay warm, remember safety is your top priority! 

Because of the icy road conditions lately, you’ve probably kept your family indoors recently to make sure they were safe. But if you aren’t careful this winter, you risk new dangers inside your home.

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it’s an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. The Texas Department of State Health Services says, “Several household sources, such as gasoline-powered tools and generators, produce carbon monoxide. Anything that burns can produce carbon monoxide. The fumes are extremely hazardous and can cause sudden illness or death."

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous to infants, women who are pregnant and their unborn children, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) recommends taking the following steps to prevent carbon monoxide exposure:

· Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

· Do install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.

· Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.

· Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.

· Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

· Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.

· Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.