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CPSC warns about generators during power outages

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides safety tips regarding the use of portable generators during power outages during winter weather, warning that 100 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to misuse of the equipment.

The CPSC issued a warning urging consumers to be careful when using gas-powered generators when storms knock out their power, noting that people can die from carbon monoxide poisoning in minutes.

A man turns on the generator at his home after the power went out during a blizzard in Marshfield, Massachusetts, on Jan. 29, 2022. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)

The commission says it’s important to never use generators indoors, and that opening doors and windows for ventilation will not prevent the build-up of deadly levels of carbon monoxide – an odorless and colorless gas.

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Generators should only be used outside and kept at least 20 meters away from the house, the warning states and adds not to use the generator on the porch or in the parking lot, warning, “It may be convenient, but it is too close to home and it puts your family at risk of CO poisoning.” .”

a man drags a generator to his house

A man drags a generator into his home after it lost power during a blizzard in Marshfield, Massachusetts, on Jan. 29, 2022. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)

The commission recommends that generator power be routed away from the home and other accessible structures, and that windows be closed and exits closed near the generator or in the path of its power.

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The CPSC also warns against burning coal indoors, as doing so can also cause deadly levels of carbon monoxide — even in a garage with the door open.

charcoal grill outside

The CPSC warns never to burn coal indoors, as doing so can lead to CO poisoning. (GHI/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The commission offers some safety tips about the proper use of portable indoor heaters, and recommends keeping them at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, such as furniture, clothing, curtains and papers.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning unrelated to fires each year; more than 100,000 people visit emergency rooms due to exposure to unburned carbon monoxide; and 14,000 were hospitalized.


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