Avoid a storm-related poisoning with these steps
Along with damaging winds and rains, hurricanes also bring the threat of poisoning (like carbon monoxide, medication errors, and envenomation). Here are some prevention and survival steps that can help you avoid a poisoning during and after the storm.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by…
- only using generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
- never using a gas stove, camp stove, or charcoal grill inside your home for any reason. This includes the garage.
- making sure you have a carbon monoxide detector, with battery backup, near every sleeping area of your home.
Click here to order free CO detectors from NC Poison Control.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it has no color and no distinct odor. Symptoms of CO poisoning can feel like the flu. If you are having headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, or confusion, get to fresh air, and call NC Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 right away.
Avoid a medication poisoning by…
- keeping medicines in their original bottles. Do not mix loose medication in a plastic bag or other container.
- storing medicine, in their original bottles, in a water-safe container if flooding is a risk.
- knowing all the daily medicines you have and how much of each are on hand in case you have to evacuate quickly.
Avoid food poisoning and water contamination by…
- keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed. A full freezer usually keeps food cold for about 48 hours. Refrigerators will keep food cold for about four hours.
- placing a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer to monitor temperatures. If the temperature is 40 degrees or higher, throw food out.
- having food on hand that does not need to be refrigerated.
- boiling water if water service is down and you don’t have bottled water. The EPA has these water disinfecting guidelines.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
Avoid snake bite poisoning by…
- recognizing that snakes will be displaced by flooding.
- watching where you step when flooding has occurred, even in areas that are not under water.
- carrying a flashlight at night and at dusk.
Don’t try to pick up or kill a snake. It may bite you in the process.
NC Poison Control is available by phone (1-800-222-1222) or chat (www.NCPoisonControl.org) if you think a poisoning has occurred. Phone lines can sometimes be busy in a storm. If internet connection is available, chatting with poison control may be a more reliable form of communication. Don’t forget to keep electronic devices charged and ready for use.
For more information, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, March 16-22, 2025, here are 5 ways you can celebrate:
- Know when to call NC Poison Control and when to call 911. A suspected poisoning doesn’t always mean an emergency. Watch and share this 30 second video about a common medication dosing scenario and how we can often help keep people at home.
- Get familiar with the look-a-likes in your home. Check out this resource highlighting everyday household products and their medication or cleaning product look-a-like.
- Know that poison control isn’t just a service for parents with young children. Learn the top substances adults contact the poison control center about here.
- Order a free poison prevention pack for you or someone you care about. Packs are available for a variety of ages and stages in life.
- Save the NC Poison Control phone number, 1-800-222-1222, as a contact in your phone. You’ll be ready when the unexpected happens.
