Due to prolonged power outages, Kentuckians are urged to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to improper use of heating or cooking devices and flooding and food safety issues. In 2010, there were 206 emergency room visits for Kentucky residents related to carbon monoxide exposures. Items such as kerosene or propane gas stoves and ovens used as alternative heat sources indoors can emit a colorless, odorless gas, called carbon monoxide, as a by-product, and improper use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health advises Kentuckians to follow these steps taken from guidelines issued by the National Center for Environmental Health to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's carbon monoxide poisoning guidelines
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Preventions's tornado safety
Citizens are encouraged to avoid downed power lines, and to report downed lines to their local utility provider or 911.