Don't let cold weather turn deadly

This weekend's cold and snow isn't turning out to be as severe as the two previous storms, and that's a good thing.

Nebraska Public Power District officials are warning Kearney-area residents to cut back on power usage, saying the fragile electrical system was almost overtaxed by demand on Friday.

Worried about the coming cold temperatures, NPPD officials said they might have to institute rolling blackouts again until a third transmission line is completed into Kearney in a week or two.

There but for the grace of God, goes Southwest Nebraska.

The same storm that produced more than a foot of snow in our area produced several inches of ice on every exposed surface in the Holdrege and Kearney area, bringing down hundreds of miles of power lines.

We've been spared the danger and inconvenience of living without regular electrical power this winter, but such a condition is only another ice storm away.

If another one were to arrive, most of us would find ourselves scrambling to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures like the ones we're expected to experience this weekend.

That's when power outages can become deadly in the form of carbon monoxide produced by improper or poorly operating heat sources such as charcoal grills, unvented space heaters or other jury-rigged devices, or poor ventilation in a car.

Each year, carbon monoxide poisoning kills nearly 500 people nationwide and sickens thousands more.

In 2006, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center received 340 calls about exposure to carbon monoxide, but officials say such exposure is under-reported.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, shortness of breath and convulsions.

The first step in treating carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the center, is getting the victim to fresh air. Then, seek medical attention immediately.

Carbon monoxide, which has no color, taste or smell, is produced when fuels burn incompletely, as all do to some extent. When fresh air is available and fuel is burning properly, there is little danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, operating an internal combustion engine -- like one running a portable electrical generator -- or a poorly adjusted fuel-burning appliance in a closed area without fresh air can become fatal, according to the Nebraska Regional Poison Center.

To avoid problems, the center recommends inspecting all fuel-burning equipment in your home yearly. Vent fuel-burning heaters outside, don't use a gas range or oven for heating a room, never use a charcoal grill or hibachi inside, and install a carbon monoxide detector.

Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open. Have the muffler and tailpipes checked regularly, and open your car windows if the car is stopped for any period of time with the engine running.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, or if you have any questions, call the center at (800) 222-1222 in Nebraska and Wyoming.

Don't let the winter cold turn deadly.