WASHINGTON, July 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) is urging those impacted by Tropical Storm Beryl to take
steps to protect themselves and their families against carbon
monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrocution, explosion and fires.
Loss of Power—Using a Generator Safely
Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out
electrical power. CO poisoning from portable generators can kill
whole families in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer
because it is colorless and odorless. CO poisoning from portable
generators can happen so quickly that people can become unconscious
before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or
weakness.
On average, more than 200 consumers die in the U.S. each year
from CO poisoning related to consumer products, according to CPSC's
latest report on Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated
with the Use of Consumer Products. About 92 of those deaths are
linked to portable generators. Another CPSC
report shows that from 2012 through 2022, where race was
known, non-Hispanic Black or African Americans accounted for 23
percent of generator-related CO deaths, which is much higher than
their share in the U.S. population.
Consumers should follow these safety tips to protect their
families during hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season
typically lasts from the beginning of June to the end of
November.
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 does 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. Close
windows and seal off all other openings, such as soffit vents,
dryer vents, and exhaust fan vents, that are near the generator or
in the path of its exhaust. Do not operate a generator on an
outside porch or in a carport. They are too close to the home.
- Follow portable generator instructions about electrical shock
hazards in inclement weather, which may include use of an
NFPA-rated non-combustible generator tent or may state to wait
until rain passes.
- 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 or G300-2023 and
UL 2201–which are estimated to significantly reduce deaths from CO
poisoning. UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in
addition to the CO shut-off safety feature and are estimated to
nearly eliminate the risk of death from CO poisoning.
Check CO and Smoke Alarms
- Working smoke and CO alarms save lives! Install
battery-operated smoke and CO alarms or smoke and CO alarms with
battery backup on each level and outside separate sleeping areas at
home. Interconnected combination smoke and CO alarms are best; when
one sounds, they all sound.
- Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level and inside
each bedroom.
- Make sure CO alarms are installed on every level and outside
each bedroom.
- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly to make sure they are working
properly and replace batteries, if needed. Never ignore an alarm
when it sounds. Get outside immediately. Then call 911.
Dangers with Charcoal and Candles
- Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed
space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. Do not cook on
a charcoal grill in a garage, even with the garage door open.
- Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights or
battery-operated candles instead. If using candles, do not burn
them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning
candles unattended. Extinguish candles when leaving the room and
before sleeping.
If Your Home Floods—Dangers with Wet Appliances
- Look for signs that your appliances have gotten wet. To reduce
the risk of shock or electrocution, do not touch wet appliances
that are still plugged into an electrical source.
- Before using your appliances, have a professional or your gas
or electric company evaluate them for safety. Replace all gas
control valves, electrical wiring, circuit breakers and fuses that
have been under water.
CPSC resources:
Carbon Monoxide Safety Center
PSA – Hurricane Safety Tips
PSA - Seguridad en caso de huracán
PSA - One portable generator produces the same amount of Carbon
Monoxide as hundreds of cars
PSA - Una planta eléctrica produce la misma cantidad de
monóxido de carbono como cientos de autos
Link to broadcast quality video for media: Hurricane B-Roll
- https://spaces.hightail.com/space/XtFQ7YqK0x
CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews.
Email jechavez@cpsc.gov or call (202) 923-7467 to
arrange for an interview.
Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this
topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for
statements related to this or other topics.
About the U.S. CPSC
The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) is charged with protecting the
public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with
the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths,
injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related
incidents cost the nation more than $1
trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the
safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the
rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50
years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject
to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in
consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter
@USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on
www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
Release Number: 24-295
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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission