As winter storms again bring frequent strong winds, falling temperatures and the threat of power outages to Western Washington, residents are being urged to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

The state Emergency Operations Center recently issued a reminder for the safe use of electrical generators and to avoid the use of gas or charcoal burning devices indoors.

Five persons in the Highline area died of carbon monoxide poisoning during the power outage in below-freezing weather that followed last December's major windstorm.

They were using charcoal burners inside at the time of their deaths.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled, but can kill people within minutes. It can build up so quickly that victims are overcome before they can get help.

Anyone using a portable power generator should have a carbon monoxide monitor, which costs about $30 at most retail outlets, to assure their personal safety.

Free fact sheets and flyers about carbon monoxide poisoning are available in six languages-English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese-are on the Emergency Management Division's Website at emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_campaign.shtml#Carbon.