Emergemcy Warming Shelters, Power Outage Safety Guidelines from Emergency Management of Door County

Posted on 09. Dec, 2009 by Ann DeMeuse in Community Services, News

Emergency Management of Door County warns area residents about the danger of using gasoline-powered generators, improperly vented heating appliances and substitute heaters such as gas or charcoal grills during power outages in this cold weather.

gasoline-powered generator

These appliances produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) which is a deadly, invisible and odorless gas.

To avoid carbon monoxide exposure, be extremely careful when using generators, lanterns, gas powered appliances or when cooking on charcoal grills or gas grills. Equipment or appliances that produce carbon monoxide should never be used indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will NOT stop carbon monoxide build-up. The gas cannot be seen or smelled. Poisoning can occur in a matter of minutes.

Here are the symptoms of CO poisoning: dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, and loss of consciousness and – in severe cases – death. Take the following precautions:

NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, tent or other enclosed or partially enclosed area.
Follow the instructions that come with the generator. ALWAYS locate the unit on a dry, outdoor surface, away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to seep into the house.
Gas-powered generators can be used safely if they are placed in a well-ventilated outdoor area at least 10 feet away from a home or structure.
Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
If electric power is out, do not use gas ranges or ovens to heat your home.
Remember that you cannot see or smell CO and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. DO NOT DELAY.
If someone else collapses or is not breathing, dial 9-1-1.
When planning for severe weather, remember to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, always following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.

The Jacksonport Town Hall has re-opened it’s warming shelter located in the town hall at 3365 Cty V, effective immediately. The number to call if you need assistance getting to the warming shelter is 920,823,2488.

Sister Bay Liberty Grove Fire Station at 2258 Mill Rd is also open as a warming shelter. The number to call if you need assistance getting to the warming shelter is 920.421.0600.

If you will be moving to the warming shelter, remember the 3 P’s of evacuating your home: Pills, purses (wallets), and pets. You are also asked to bring a pillow/blanket in case the shelter remains open for an extended period of time.

Residents that are physically unable to get out of their homes and to the shelter are to call the fire department at 421-0600 (Sister Bay Liberty Grove) or 823-2488 (Jacksonport). Firefighters will be sent to pick you up and take you to the shelter. Your safety is important and if you need assistance, do not hesitate to call for help. Residents with health concerns, or who rely on power to run medical equipment, are asked to call the fire department immediately at the same number 421-0600.

This storm, winds and power outages have created extremely dangerous conditions. If you are evacuating your home because the temperature has dropped too much, please drive carefully. Roads are snow covered and slippery. Also, as an additional safety measure, notify someone before you leave and give an estimated time for your arrival at the shelter. Then call that person once you arrive at the shelter to notify them you have arrived safely.

For any questions or concerns please contact the Emergency Management of Door County at 920.746.7101 or 920.493.6700.