A winter storm is making its way through the Commonwealth, and with wintry weather comes a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
As severe weather conditions continue to impact the region, the threat of sporadic power outages looms. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says if your power gets knocked out, there are several safety tips you’ll want to keep top of mind if you need to use a generator.
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“CO poisoning from gasoline-powered portable generators can kill in minutes,” the CPSC stated in a press release. “CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless, odorless, and deadly. CO poisoning from portable generators can happen so quickly that exposed persons may become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.”
In fact, approximately 100 people die across the country each year from carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators, according to CPSC’s latest report on Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products.
Here are the safety tips CPSC recommends:
- Never use a portable generator in an enclosed space: A portable generator should never be used inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Even if you open your doors or windows, it will not provide enough ventilation to protect you and your family.
- Only operate portable generators outside: The generators should be at least 20 feet away from the house and turned away from your home and other buildings where someone can enter. Also, be sure to close windows and seal off vent openings that are near the generator for your protection.
- Check for a carbon monoxide shut-off safety feature: This feature will ensure that the generator automatically turns off when levels of carbon monoxide become high. Generators with this safety feature are estimated to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 86% and 100% respectively.
- Check carbon monoxide and smoke alarms: Be sure to install battery-operated alarms and smoke alarms in your home. CPSC recommends interconnected carbon monoxide alarms since when one sounds, they all sound. Always test these alarms monthly to ensure they are working as they should and replace batteries if needed. If they go off, get outside and call 911 immediately.
- Clear snow away from the outside vents: It’s important to make sure you clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up in the house.
Interested in more tips? Head to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website!
