A winter storm is expected to hit millions across the US, bringing with it dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and burst pipes. Experts advise staying indoors, avoiding running cars in garages, and checking for proper ventilation.
Elijah Minahan, of Johnstown, Pa., shovels out the driveway at his home in Westmont Borough as cold temperatures and snowfall hits the region on Friday, January 3, 2025. (Thomas Slusser/The Tribune-Democrat via AP)These dangers can include carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia and frozen pipes that can burst and make homes unlivable. Public safety officials and experts say there are multiple ways people can prepare themselves to avoid these winter weather hazards and keep themselves safe.
The hazards are on the radar this week because millions of people in the United States are set to be hit with moderate to heavy snow from Kansas City to Washington. Cold conditions are also gripping the East Coast.Officials say that during a winter storm, people should stay indoors. But home heating systems running for hours can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as the deadly fumes can be produced by furnaces, stoves and heaters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide can also be created when people use portable generators or run cars in their garages to stay warm or charge their phones. Dr. Alex Harding, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, people won’t necessarily be aware of it. “The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be really insidious. They can sneak up on patients and can range from just developing a headache or maybe a little bit of nausea to all the way to losing consciousness and seizures,” he said.The cold weather hitting much of the East Coast has the ability to be dangerous or deadly because of unsafe exposure to elements. This week’s winter storms are tracking to the south, and cold air will likely be present as far south as Georgia, said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Main
Winter Storm Carbon Monoxide Hypothermia Frozen Pipes Safety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Winter Storm Warning: Carbon Monoxide Risk Rises as Temperatures DropA rapid temperature drop across the US, particularly in the East Coast, is raising concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning as people rely on heating systems and generators for warmth. Experts warn of the dangers of this odorless and colorless gas, emphasizing the need for safety precautions during winter storms.
Read more »
See where forecasters expect freezing rain, snow in Pa. this weekendThe National Weather Service issued two winter storm warnings and three winter weather advisories starting Sunday.
Read more »
The Dangers of Winter Winds: Understanding Frostbite RiskLearn about the risks of frostbite during winter, how wind chill impacts your health, and the early signs of frostbite.
Read more »
Take these steps to protect yourself from winter weather dangersWinter weather brings various hazards that people have to contend with to keep warm and safe. These dangers can include carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia and frozen pipes that can burst and make homes unlivable.
Read more »
STORM WATCH: Rain this afternoon; tracking another storm for WednesdayFor today, expect showers after 1 p.m. with highs near 53 degrees.
Read more »
These Highly Rated Portable Power Stations Are Lifesavers During A Winter StormGriffin Wynne (they/them) is a Staff Writer for HuffPost cover shopping, trends and digital culture. They are based in Philadelphia.
Read more »