FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2004
CONTACT: Lindsay Hodges 850-245-4111
**HURRICANE FRANCES INFORMATION SHEET **
Health Officials Warn of Carbon Monoxide Dangers
--Precautions can help prevent poisoning--
Tallahassee – As Floridians begin the task of preparing for
Hurricane Frances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) is urging the
public to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) exposure by taking precautions with
gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is
highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause
fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness
of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of
coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe
cases, death.
DOH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle,
tent or fireplace.
- Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in
the garage.
- If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning,
open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases
of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Poison
Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
- For more information about indoor air quality, contact the Florida
Department of Health's Indoor Air Toxics Hotline at 800-543-8279 or
visit the Department of Health web site at
www.doh.state.fl.us.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently
announced the availability of 30- and 15-second public service
announcements in English and Spanish. The CDC is encouraging radio
stations to download the public service announcements free from
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/carbonmonoxide/ (scroll down to
"Public Service Announcements for Carbon Monoxide"). Other broadcast and
print media can also use the information to alert viewers and readers.
For further information, please contact your local county health
department or visit
www.doh.state.fl.us or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.
Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384.
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Hurricane Frances News
2012 State of Florida