Protecting Your Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Over the Holidays

Cold weather calls for hot chocolate nights, of course. But while your family is trying to stay warm over the holiday weekend (with rain and chilly nights in the forecast), it's important to make sure everyone is safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to CAL-FIRE, carbon monoxide—produced when fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, wood and charcoal are burned— can't be smelled or seen, but can kill people at high levels.

Malfunctioning or incorrectly used appliances and heaters can cause indoor carbon monoxide levels to rise, putting your family in danger of sickness and even death. By now, since the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act went into effect on July 1, each home should have carbon monoxide detectors.

San Diego Gas & Electric and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department offer a number of tips to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's what to look out for:

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• Moderate levels: severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, fainting.
• Low levels: shortness of breath, mild nausea, mild headaches.

Many of the poisoning symptoms are similar to those from the flu, food poisoning and other illness, so it may be difficult at first to pinpoint the trigger of your health issues. However, CO poisoning can often be diagnosed by a blood test once you head to the hospital.

What to do if poisoning is suspected:

• Get fresh air right away.
• Call 911.
• Turn off combustion appliances and get out of the house.

Prevention tips:

• Never use an outdoor barbecue, range or oven to heat your home—not even for a little while. 
• Don't use a charcoal grill indoors, even if you put it in the fireplace.
• Don't idle your car in the garage.
• Have SDG&E come out and inspect your furnace—for free. Call 800-411-SDGE (7343) to set up an appointment. Also check out these tips for properly maintaining your appliances.

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