According to the Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association, generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when used improperly.
According to the PGMA’s Public Service Announcement Spokesperson Guillermo Rodriquez, if a generator is running inside, carbon monoxide can accumulate in the home.
“As the appliance works you have carbon monoxide emitted as a result of that gas combustion,” Rodriguez said. “With carbon monoxide being emitted, as many people know, this is a silent killer. This is a gas that is impossible for the human senses to detect.”
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and deadly chemical. According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of exposure can include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. It can cause people to go unconscious before even being able to recognize the symptoms.
According to the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association, there are about 95,000 annual carbon monoxide poisonings in the U.S. These cause about 50,000 emergency room visits and 1,200 deaths annually.
“Always remember to take your generator outside,” Rodriguez said. “Never run that generator inside any location where carbon monoxide emissions can build up, never use it inside a garage, a shed, a truck bed and never close to a window or door opening.”
The PGMA says to point generator exhaust fumes away from homes, people and pets.
Rodriguez said people should already have a spot picked out in advance to place their generator. He said 20 feet away from a home is the recommended distance. He said to have a plan in place and practice it and that people should have extension cords ready in advance.
Rodriguez said people should install carbon monoxide detectors. They should be placed in a central location, outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home. He said they should be tested periodically.
“If someone suspects a leak, they should immediately leave along with everyone else that’s present in the dwelling and call 911,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said to look for generators that have carbon monoxide shut off technology built into them. He said these generators can automatically shut off if they detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air. However, he said this is not a substitute for taking a generator outside.
According to PGMA, 99% of fatalities can be prevented by an automatic shutoff.
Rodriguez said people can find more resources at takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.
“If you see a generator being used dangerously, say something about it, it could save a human life,” Rodriguez said.
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