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Victims who ranged in age from 11 months to 72 were treated at Seattle-area hospitals after inhaling carbon monoxide.

KIRKLAND, Wash. - A 26-year-old man died inside his Kirkland home after running a gas-powered generator indoors. The Kirkland Fire department believes he died from carbon monoxide exposure.

Those who knew him came by on Sunday to pay their respects. Nearby neighbors had no idea the young man was in danger.

"If we knew somebody needed help anybody needed help I'm sure we would have done that," said Eric Meisels.

The man's death is an extreme example of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are varying degrees, and local hospitals have been treating dozens of patients who have been exposed to this deadly gas over the past couple of days.

Virginia Mason Hospital operates a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which re-oxygenates the blood. They say they've never treated so many patients in so short a time - 57 since Friday.

"We're dealing with a carbon-monoxide epidemic in Western Washington," said Dr. Neil Hampson. "This has the potential to be the worst case of carbon-monoxide poisoning in the country."

Other hospitals, such as Harborview Medical Center are taking care of victims as well.

"Carbon monoxide is a gas that actually is the quintessential colorless, odorless gas that keeps the body from utilizing oxygen," said Dr. Bob Kalus of Harborview Medical Center.

Because of that it can be difficult to tell if you are exposed to it.

Symptoms are similar to the flu. They include headaches, nausea and vomiting. Eventually you can become disoriented and sleepy.

"I think those people who come to medical attention soon enough we are able to take care of them but I do worry that there are other people who continue to be at risk and will be until the power is restored," said Kalus.

The lack of electricity combined with cold temperatures makes it tempting to use what you can to heat your home, but the cost could be too high if you don't follow directions.

To avoid CO poisoning, the Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips:

- Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

- Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

- Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances.

- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.

- Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.