RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging Virginians to follow the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommendations for carbon monoxide exposure. Spanberger shared in a press release that hospitals across Virginia have seen an increase in emergency room visits related to carbon m onoxide exposure. Residents should protect themselves and their families by following the VDH recommendations. “Healthcare providers statewide — but particularly in Central Virginia — are seeing a significant increase in emergency room visits for hypothermia, cold exposure and carbon monoxide exposure amid this dangerous winter storm,” said Spanberger. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly and is caused by improper ventilation of generators or other heating sources as Virginians look to stay warm. Virginians should follow all Virginia Department of Health recommendations to ensure their homes are properly ventilated and their families are protected. Our state agencies are working day and night to respond to this storm, and our priority is keeping Virginians safe.” The VDH has recommended that, to keep yourself and your family safe from carbon monoxide exposure, follow these steps: Place portable generators outside and at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust directed away from buildings and homes. Generators should never be used inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never a power strip, and should never be left running unattended or while you're asleep. Make sure that there are working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level of a home and outside the bedrooms. If your carbon monoxide detector notices high levels, everyone should evacuate and immediately call 911. For a full list of symptoms caused by carbon monoxide exposure, visit the VDH's website here. ...read more read less