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.

 

Poison Center of the Month: the North Texas Poison Center

Tucked inside Parkland Health in Dallas, Texas, there’s a team of real-life heroes working around the clock. Since 1984, the North Texas Poison Center (NTPC) has been the go-to source for life-saving toxicology info, expert treatment advice, and poison prevention education across a whopping 42 counties in Northeast Texas.

Certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers since 1985 (yep, they’ve got the creds), the NTPC doesn’t just help in emergencies—they also shape the future of toxicology by training the next generation of healthcare pros in collaboration with UT Southwestern Medical Center.

But their impact doesn’t stop in the hospital halls. NTPC’s public health educators hit the road to bring the message of poison safety to the community. Whether it’s through health fairs, lectures, or handing out free educational materials, they’re all about keeping Texans informed—and safe.

And it gets even cooler. The NTPC runs fun, educational programs like the National Poison Prevention Week Poster & Video Contests, and Train-the-Trainer sessions. It’s serious work, served up with creativity and heart.

So next time you open that mysterious bottle under the sink, remember: NTPC has your back (and they’ve had it for 40+ years). Now that’s what we call a Texas-sized commitment to safety!