GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Emergency departments across South Carolina are seeing an increased number of patients with carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Helene, according to a hospital spokesperson.
With thousands of people still in the dark Sunday, many people have been powering their homes and businesses with generators.
Prisma Health said they’re seeing an uptick in patients in need of emergency treatment for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from generator use. Health experts said CO is an odorless and toxic gas that could cause severe health issues for people and pets, and in some cases turn deadly.
There has been at least one death reported in Spartanburg County as a result of this, according to the coroner’s office.
Here are some tips from the CDC to ensure you’re operating your generator in a safe place:
- Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
- Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows. Make sure to keep it dry and protected from rain or flooding.
- When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your house.
- The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”
- If anyone in your family starts to have CO poisoning symptoms, seek immediate assistance.