WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsDHS urges hunters to use CO detectors

DHS urges hunters to use CO detectors

Madison (WKOW) -- Hunters will take gun safety into the woods this Saturday, but state officials say they also need to beware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer says, “Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common during the cold weather months in Wisconsin as people turn to portable generators, heaters, and stoves to help stay warm. Poorly functioning or unvented furnaces or home appliances can create a carbon monoxide build up in your home, but can also poison hunters and sportsman in cabins, campers, tents, and hunting and fishing shacks.” 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuels. Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood, making people sick. At high levels, carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and mental confusion. 

One of the best defenses against carbon monoxide poisoning is a CO detector. CO detectors work like smoke alarms to alert you to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide. Install CO detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Bring a battery powered portable CO detector with you any time you use a fuel-burning appliance away from home. 

Any device that burns gasoline, kerosene, wood, propane, coal, oil or charcoal should only be used in well-ventilated settings. Foldy added that a carbon monoxide detector's alarm should never be ignored. “The alarm may save your life,” he said. “If it sounds, or if anyone indoors has symptoms, get everyone out immediately and call 911 from a different location.”