Family hospitalized for CO poisoning

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Fire-Rescue says a local family is being treated at a local hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Spokesman Steve Huffman says it happened around 1 o'clock Wednesday, December 26. He says the carbon monoxide left 6 people unconscious. A seventh person was able to call authorities. He collapsed when first responders got to the scene.

Authorities say four adults and three children were taken to the hospital. No word on their conditions.

Huffman says the carbon monoxide came from a generator left running inside the home.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Here are some National Safety Council for safe portable generator use:

• Always read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions before running generator. 
• Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows can provide enough fresh air. 
• Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors. 
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area you’re running a generator. 
• Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer. 
• Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety. 
• Never operate the generator near combustible materials. 
• If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations. 
• Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch. 
• Generators produce powerful voltage - Never operate under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.