
In the chilling aftermath of recent extreme weather events, understanding the silent killer that is carbon monoxide has become critical. Click2Houston reports that during the February 2021 freeze, Houston's Memorial Hermann Hospital witnessed an alarming spike in carbon monoxide poisoning cases, with over 100 patients in a single day, a figure usually not seen except across an entire year.
This treacherous gas, often a byproduct of makeshift home heating methods, is undetectable to human senses, posing an increased threat during cold snaps. Dr. Carrie Bakunas, of Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and UT Health Houston, noted that the creativity spurred by desperation to stay warm can have dire consequences. "When it's cold, people tend to get a little more creative with how they heat their homes," she explained, acknowledging the inclination some have to improperly use "gas grills from outside or they use ovens and stoves against recommendations," according to Click2Houston.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea, are often insidiously common, which can lead to a deadly misdiagnosis of the situation. In a harrowing account detailed by Click2Houston, Debbie Wells and her daughter, Jenny Hare, from Cleveland, Texas, fell victim to these very symptoms as Hurricane Beryl raged on. "We woke up sporadically and it just wasn’t right so we kinda went back to bed," Wells described the confusion that carbon monoxide's stealthy onset causes.
To forestall such near-misses, the Houston Fire Department has issued warnings about the dangers of this gas. Generated by fires and fuel-consuming appliances, its risk compounds for vulnerable populations, including children and those with preexisting health conditions. "Carbon monoxide is a serious health hazard that can cause illness or even death," reminded the Department, urging the community to install detectors and test them regularly, as reported by CW39. As per the Houston Fire Department, if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, acting with haste to call 911 is essential.
As a beacon of vigilance, survivors like Hare underscore the critical nature of preparedness. "It all could have been prevented if we would have had carbon monoxide detectors in the house," she told Click2Houston, turning her personal ordeal into a plea for public awareness. The message is clear: no matter the heating means you've relied on before, never underestimate the power of a carbon monoxide detector to safeguard your home and loved ones against an invisible threat.