MSDH Issues Winter Safety Tips from Falls, Carbon Monoxide and Fires

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is cautioning residents to remain weather alert as we continue to thaw from this week’s ice storm. Icy precipitation may no longer be falling, but with sub-freezing temperatures still predicted over the next several days, we must take steps to avoid injuries that are all too common this time of year, including those from falls, carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.

Falls from ice

We know to avoid ice when driving. But many people are also injured (some fatally) every year from falling on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways and porches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To stay safe, keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

More than 400 people die annually from carbon monoxide poisoning without warning, and more than 100,000 visit an emergency department after being sickened by the odorless, colorless gas, according to the CDC. The symptoms are described as flu-like: headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pains and confusion.

Take these steps if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Place disoriented or unconscious victims in fresh air immediately.
• If you cannot get the people out of the home, open all windows and doors. Turn off any combustion appliances (gas stoves, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, etc.).
• Take the victim to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

House fires

Mississippi has one of the highest fire mortality rates in the nation. Half of all home heating fires in the U.S. occur in December, January and February, and 1 in 5 home fire deaths involves heating equipment, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Take these precautions to help keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source, such as fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves and radiators.
• Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
• Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
• Have your chimney, heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced annually. Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your house.
• Never run your vehicle inside a garage that is attached to the house.
• Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector near every sleeping area in your home, check their batteries monthly, change batteries annually, and have your furnaces and heaters inspected annually for carbon monoxide. Replace them every five years.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.

For more tips on keeping your family safe this winter, visit msdh.ms.gov/fire and msdh.ms.gov/monoxide.