Forecasters are predicting a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño occurring this fall and winter. If it does, it has the potential to cause a lot of disruption. California Poison Control System (CPCS) encourages Californians to take proactive measures to safeguard their families and homes before disasters – like El Niño bringing a wetter-than-normal winter, as well as earthquakes, fires, flooding or high winds – or another emergency strikes.
“Preparation is crucial to avoiding the problems and hazards that can occur when disaster strikes,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “It’s smart to prepare in advance because it can help you save valuable time and reduce stress over what to do next.”
Here are just a few helpful facts that can assist you in being prepared for some common emergencies.
Losing Electricity
Natural disasters often cause power outages. But many people assume the power will quickly be restored and underestimate how long they might actually be without electricity.
Take care if you use a generator to provide backup power, know ahead of time where to place it, and how to use it.
Always put generators outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator indoors or any other enclosed area.
Generator exhaust produces colorless and odorless, highly toxic carbon monoxide (CO) gas which can sicken or kill you. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year there are more than 100,000 emergency department visits, more than 14,000 hospitalizations, and more than 400 deaths from unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning.
Staying Warm
Power outages can cause furnaces to stop functioning. To keep warm, many people may decide to use their fireplaces as a heat source. This can expose them to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can make them sick and in severe cases cause death.
Use a carbon monoxide detector near the fireplace, in addition to using CO detectors near sleeping areas in your home.
Keep the chimney and flue clean and functional.
Make sure chimney flues are fully open before using the fireplace.
Keep flammables away from fires in the firebox.
Keep the area well-ventilated and avoid using the fireplace in tightly sealed homes.
Additionally, never use a stove, oven, charcoal/gas grill (e.g. hibachi), or camping equipment to heat your home. All of these are also high risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keeping Food Cold
Without electricity food could spoil because it isn’t properly kept cold, making foodborne illness more likely. The CDC estimates that every year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, and 3,000 die.
Food can last longer during and after a power outage if refrigerator and freezer doors are kept closed.
Even without electricity full freezers can keep food safe for up to 48 hours; up to 24 hours if half full. If the freezer isn’t full, move the items close together – it will help keep food cold longer. Refrigerators will keep food safe for up to four hours.
Throw away any refrigerated foods that are perishable and have not been kept cool after the four-hour window. Perishable foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers, as well as food from the freezer that thawed.
If you have any questions, you can always call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
