Woodinville Fire Reports CO Poisoning Case, Issues Reminder About Generators

WOODINVILLE, WA - The Woodinville Fire Department reported on Monday that it has seen at least one case of carbon monoxide poisoning as the result of someone using a generator indoors during Monday's power outages. The department is using the incident to remind residents not to use generators indoors because it can be deadly.

On Monday afternoon, there were still some 600 people in Woodinville without power, according to Puget Sound Energy. But that was down from a high of over 4,000 on Monday morning.

Because gas and diesel generators run through internal combustion, they produce carbon monoxide. Aside from not using generators indoors, it's also unsafe to use them in enclosed areas - like carports - or even within 20 feet of home windows or vents, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

CO is colorless and odorless, and symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, weakness, and vomiting. CO poisoning can be especially deadly if you are sleeping because you may never develop symptoms.

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