It already feels and looks like winter in some parts of the country, and it won’t be long before the season brings more widespread winter storms.
As winter approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other storm hazards.
Loss of Power
Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. Portable generators create a risk of CO poisoning that can kill in minutes.
CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. Exposed persons may become unconscious before experiencing CO-poisoning symptoms of nausea, dizziness, or weakness, and it can lead to death.
An average of 85 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators. A recent CPSC report, Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools 2011-2021, shows that African Americans are at higher risk, accounting for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated 12 percent share of the U.S. population in that time frame.
Power outage
In the case of a power outage, follow these important life-saving tips:
- NEVER operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO.
- Operate portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house, and direct the generator’s exhaust away from the home and any other buildings that someone could enter, while keeping windows and other openings closed in the path of the generator’s exhaust. Do not operate a generator on an outside porch or in a carport. They are too close to the home.
- Check that portable generators have been maintained properly, and read and follow the labels, instructions, and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.
- Look for portable generators that have a CO shut-off safety feature, which is designed to shut the generator off automatically when high levels of CO are present around the generator. These models may be advertised as certified to the latest safety standards for portable generators–PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201–which are estimated to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively. UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in addition to the CO shut-off feature.
Checking CO and Smoke Alarms
Tips to Check CO and Smoke Alarms:
- One should install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on each level and outside separate sleeping areas at home. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound. A CO alarm is the last line of defense when using a generator–it can save lives
- One needs to make sure that smoke alarms are installed on every level and inside each bedroom at home.
- One needs to test CO and smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly, and replace batteries, if needed. One should never ignore an alarm when it sounds. It is advised to get outside immediately and call 911.
- One should 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.
Dangers with Portable Heaters
Following are the danger with portable heaters:
- One should keep all sides of the portable heater at least 3 feet from beds, clothes, curtains, papers, sofas, and other items that can catch fire.
- One should ALWAYS use a wall outlet; NEVER a power strip and NEVER run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting.
- One should make sure the heater is not near water. One should NEVER touch it if the person is
- One should place the heater on a stable, level surface, located where it will not be knocked over.
- One should NEVER leave running unattended in a confined space to reduce hyperthermia hazards.
- If the heater’s cord or plug is HOT, one should disconnect the heater and contact an authorized repair person. If any part of the outlet is hot, contact a certified electrician.
Charcoal and Candles
Following are the dangers with charcoal and candles:
- One should NEVER use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of CO. One should not cook on a charcoal grill in a garage, even with the door open.
- One should use caution when burning candles. Using flashlights is advised instead. If using candles, one should not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. One should never leave burning candles unattended. One should extinguish candles when leaving the room and before sleeping.
Gas Leaks
Dangers with Gas Leaks:
- If one smells or hears gas leaking, one should leave the house immediately and contact local gas authorities from outside the house. One should not operate any electronics, such as lights or phone, before leaving.
