Don’t Be a Victim of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Why Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Is So Dangerous

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, making it impossible for your body to function. Exposure can lead to sudden illness — and in many cases, death — without warning.

Common CO Poisoning Symptoms:

• Headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or chest pain
• Visual impairment or fainting
• Death in high concentrations

CO is produced by burning fuels like gasoline, natural gas, propane, charcoal, wood, and kerosene. It’s especially dangerous after storms or fires, when families rely on backup generators or heating equipment indoors.

A Real Example — Tragedy in the Garage

Not long ago, a couple left their car running in a garage while using a kerosene heater to stay warm. Both were found dead — victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. Unfortunately, this type of situation is not rare.

Each year:

• 430+ people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning
• 50,000+ people visit emergency rooms due to CO exposure

In Chicago, carbon monoxide deaths make headlines — and the causes are often preventable.

How Storms and Disasters Increase CO Risk

After a major storm, blackout, or fire:

• Portable generators are used indoors or near vents
• Gas stoves or grills are brought inside for heat
• Ventilation systems can be blocked or damaged

“We see surges in CO poisoning after every storm,” says Dr. Fred Henretig, senior toxicologist at the Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “People underestimate how easily exhaust can enter the home.”

Hurricane Irma Study:

In 2017, 16 people died of CO poisoning in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina — more than the number killed directly by the storm (11).

How to Protect Your Home and Family from Carbon Monoxide

Before Disaster Strikes:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home
• Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries every 6 months
• Have gas or oil-burning appliances inspected yearly
• Keep all flues and vents clear of obstructions

After a Storm, Fire, or Power Outage:

• Never run a generator inside or within 20 feet of a window, door, or vent
• Never leave a car engine running inside a garage — even with the door open
• Never use camp stoves, charcoal grills, or lanterns indoors
• Avoid using gas ranges for home heating

If Your CO Alarm Goes Off:

• Evacuate immediately
• Call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s house
• If you feel symptoms (dizziness, nausea, confusion), seek emergency care

When to Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

You’re most at risk of CO exposure when using generators, propane heaters, or appliances after:

• Water damage
• Fire or smoke damage
• Storm or snow damage

We help make your home safe again fast. If you’ve had a recent disaster and are using temporary heating or backup power, don’t delay — call us immediately.

Why Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

With 40+ years of experience serving Chicago and the North Shore, we are your trusted local experts in post-disaster cleanup and restoration.

Credentials That Matter:

• ✅ IICRC Certified Firm – Verify
• ✅ OSHA Certified Technicians
• ✅ MBE/WBE Certified & Family-Owned
• ✅ 2020 BBB Torch Award for Ethics
• ✅ Serving Chicagoland Since 1929 (National Brand)

We proudly serve:

• Chicago neighborhoods: Hyde Park, Humboldt Park, Lincoln Square
• North Shore towns: Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park
• Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Glenview, Lake Forest, DuPage County

Services We Offer:

• Water & Flood Damage Restoration
• Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup
• Storm Damage Recovery
• Mold Remediation
• Post-Disaster Specialty Cleaning

📞 Call (773) 376-1110 or visit servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is carbon monoxide? CO is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death.

What causes CO buildup? Burning fuels in enclosed spaces: gas stoves, charcoal grills, generators, vehicle engines, etc.

Is CO poisoning common after storms? Yes. Backup generators and blocked vents frequently cause post-disaster CO emergencies.

Can ServiceMaster help after CO exposure? Yes. We safely restore homes after fire, storm, and generator-related events. We also offer odor removal and specialty cleaning.

Do CO detectors save lives? Absolutely. Every home should have working CO alarms on all floors.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is America’s most experienced disaster restoration brand. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has served the Chicagoland region for over 40 years.

Led by IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Sam Simon and CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, we are proud to be:

• Compassionate
• Responsive
• Certified
• Family-run

Whether your home suffered storm damage or fire loss, we’ll help get you safe — fast.

Let’s make sure carbon monoxide never puts your family at risk.

Call us anytime — 24/7 — at (773) 376-1110

https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com