Volusia County, FL- With Hurricane Irma approaching, power outages are expected across the state due to high winds and rain. The Department of Health wants to remind everyone the dangers of using generators.
During last year's Hurricane Matthew there were 13 suspected cases of storm-related carbon monoxide poisonings. All cases were related to incorrect use of generators.
“Generators should never be used inside an enclosed space,” said Patricia Boswell, DOH-Volusia administrator. “However using a generator outside can be just as dangerous. If it’s outside but too close to an opening – such as near an AC unit, vents, doors, and windows, the generator’s toxic gas can cause illness or death.”
DOH-Volusia recommends these precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
- NEVER use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
- ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator.
- Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01).
- Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.
- If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
- If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
Photo courtesy Vereshchagin Dmitry and shutterstock.com
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017
