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Don’t Be a Victim of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Don’t Be a Victim of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 9, 2025

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and deadly. Discover why it’s a serious post-disaster risk and what Chicago homeowners can do to prevent exposure — especially when using generators or gas-powered appliances.

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 FirmVerify
  • 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:

📞 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

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Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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