Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)-- Often no power means no heat. However some of the ways people chose to keep warm after a big storm can put them at another risk: carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are some basic ways to avoid placing yourself and your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

First avoid using gas grills, charcoal grills, propane heaters, kerosene heaters or generators inside. All of these can be fatal.

Doctors say knowing these sources of carbon monoxide as well as what to do if you think you are in trouble can be lifesaving.

Dr. Bill Frohna with Washington Hospital Center explains, "Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous this time of year. With this type of situation we're going to see clusters of this."

Frohna says those who tend to be at greater risk are "families, the very young and the elderly."

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and light-headedness.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.  Experts say every home should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector.  Many smoke alarms sold these days also have a CO detector built in them.

If your family members are experiencing any symptoms, get everybody out of the house and call 911.