November begins a string of four or five months of windy, stormy weather. During this time, power outages are common throughout the Puget Sound area.

Unfortunately, fire departments, including the Kent Fire Department RFA, see an increase in the number of weather-related carbon monoxide (CO) incidents as people bring their BBQs indoors to cook, run generators for power too close to the home, or use non-electric space heaters for warmth.

Carbon monoxide is carried in the air and blocks your body’s ability to absorb oxygen. It only takes a very small amount (50 parts per million) of CO to cause harm.

Do what you can to keep you and your family safe and follow these safety tips:Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Put one on each level and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for installation.Have all appliances, wood burning stoves, and fireplaces serviced regularly.Use flashlights instead of candles during a power outage. If you use candles, blow them out when you leave the room. Never bring BBQs or generators into a house. If you use a non-electric space heater inside, make sure it is designed for interior use.If your CO alarm activates, evacuate the building and call 9-1-1 once you are outside.

Be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide “poisoning”:DizzinessHeadacheNauseaShortness of breathSeizuresLoss of consciousnessDeath

If you experience these symptoms, especially if more than one person in the home has the same symptoms, leave the house and call 9-1-1.

A non-trivial fact: Smoke alarms beep three times when activated; Carbon monoxide alarms beep four times when activated.