Federal regulators are urging caution when using gas-powered generators during power outages caused by storms, citing the deadly risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety alert emphasizing that individuals can succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning within minutes of exposure.
The CPSC stressed that generators must never be operated indoors. While some may believe opening doors or windows for ventilation could help, the commission clarified that this does not prevent the accumulation of hazardous carbon monoxide – an odorless and colorless gas that can be fatal.
The commission advises consumers to place generators outside and at least 20 feet away from their homes. It specifically warns against operating generators on porches or in carports, as these locations, though convenient, significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup inside the home.
To further reduce the danger, the CPSC recommends directing the generator’s exhaust away from the house and other buildings. Additionally, windows and vent openings near the generator should be closed and sealed to prevent exhaust from entering living spaces.
The warning comes as many residents, particularly in storm-prone areas, turn to generators for backup power. The CPSC’s alert serves as a critical reminder to follow safety guidelines and protect families from the potentially fatal dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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