The Silent Threat After the Storm: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Texas

 

June marks the beginning of hurricane season in Southeast Texas. Once the destructive forces of a hurricane pass, communities are focused on restoring power, cleaning up debris, and rebuilding homes. But amid the visible damage lies an invisible threat that claims lives every year in storm-hit areas: carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Why Carbon Monoxide Is a Post-Storm Danger

Power outages drive many people to use portable generators, gas stoves, charcoal grills, or vehicles to power essentials or provide heat. While these tools can be lifesavers, improper use in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces can turn deadly.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. When inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the bloodstream, which can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death within minutes.

Real Risks in Southeast Texas

After hurricanes, especially in hot, humid conditions:

• Generators may be placed in garages, under carports, or next to open windows — all unsafe.
• Residents may cook indoors with grills or use fuel-powered tools inside to begin repairs.
• People may sit in idling cars for air conditioning without proper ventilation.

All of these situations have been linked to spikes in CO poisoning across Southeast Texas in previous storms.

Warning Signs of CO Poisoning

Early symptoms can mimic heat exhaustion or the flu, making it easy to miss the danger:

• Headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or weakness
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

If multiple people in a home experience these symptoms at once — especially without a known illness — it may be CO exposure. Get fresh air immediately and call 911.

Protect Your Family: Key Safety Tips

• Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages or sheds.
• Place generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Don’t use charcoal grills or gas stoves indoors for heating or cooking.
• Install battery-powered CO detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may be using unsafe heat or power sources.

Spread the Word

CO poisoning is 100% preventable — but only if people know the risks. As cleanup and recovery continue, it’s critical to share this message across neighborhoods, churches, schools, and workplaces.

Stay safe. Stay informed. And help your community avoid tragedy in the wake of the storm.

 

Protecting Texans from Harm: The Vital Work of the Texas Poison Center Network

A Lifesaving Resource for All Texans

Every day, Texans face unexpected encounters with substances that could pose serious risks to their health. Whether it's a child swallowing household cleaner, a reaction to a plant or insect sting, or a medication mix-up, poisonings can happen in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, the Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) is here to help- 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Accessible by calling 1-800-222-1222, the TPCN provides immediate, expert medical advice to anyone who suspects a poisoning or needs information about potentially hazardous substances. 

An Extensive Network with Statewide Research

The TPCN is composed of six regional poison centers, each hosted by major hospitals across Texas. These centers are interconnected through a robust telecommunications network, ensuring that no call goes unanswered- even if one center is overwhelmed or temporarily closed. 

In fact, when Hurricane Ike forced the Southeast Texas center to shut down in 2008, other centers seamlessly picked up the slack, keeping Texans safe without delay or disruption. 

Fast, Free, and Expert Help

With over 230,000 calls annually, the TPCN assists both the public and medical professionals. More than 32% of calls come from doctors, nurses, EMS providers, and pharmacists seeking toxicology advice. And for the general public, 87% of poison exposure cases are managed entirely at home, thanks to guidance from specially trained nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. This approach saves Texans over $85.5 million in avoided healthcare costs every year. 

Multilingual, Accessible, and Always Available

No matter your language or ability, TPCN ensures that you can get the help you need. Interpretation services are available in over 160 languages, and the system is TTY-compatible for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Callers will never hear a busy signal- calls are automatically routed to the next available poison center expert. 

What to Expect When You Call

When you call, specialists may ask for:

• Your name, zip code, and phone number
• Name and age of the exposed person
• Product name and amount involved
• Medical history, medications, or allergies 

A Partner in Public Health

The TPCN isn't just for emergencies- it also plays a critical role in public health surveillance, working alongside the CDC to monitor and report trends like foodborne illnesses, disease outbreaks, or potential bioterrorist threats. Because of this role, TPCN is exempt from certain HIPAA privacy regulations, allowing it to act quickly and effectively in crisis situations. 

More Than Just Emergency Help

In addition to emergency support, the TPCN offers education and resources on:

• Drug identification and Information
• Environmental Hazards like lead, carbon monoxide, and radiation
• Medical and Occupational Toxicology 
• Poison Prevention and Safety
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Exposure Risks

Know the Forms of Poison

Poisons can appear in many forms:

• Solids (e.g., pills)
• Liquids (e.g., household cleaners)
• Sprays (e.g., disinfectants)
• Gases (e.g., carbon monoxide)

A toxin, by contrast, is a naturally occurring poison from a plant, animal, or insect. 

Don't Wait- Call Now

If you think someone has been exposed to a poison, don't wait. Call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, or seizures, dial 911.

With expert guidance, multilingual support, and round-the-clock availability, the TPCN is a trusted lifeline for every Texan.