This Hurricane Season Take Steps to Protect Your Family from CO Poisoning and Other Post-Storm Dangers
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- June 1 marks the start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and it could be an extremely active one, according to some forecasts of 2024 hurricane activity. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about the increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires and electric shock after hurricanes and severe storms hit.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9268151-us-consumer-product-safety-commission-cpsc-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
"Hurricanes and major storms in the U.S. cause widespread damage that impacts millions of Americans each year," said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. "This hurricane season, I urge consumers to follow CPSC's safety tips to prepare ahead of storms and prevent loss of life in a storm's aftermath."
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.
CPSC data show African Americans are at higher risk of death
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.
Loss of Power--Using a Generator Safely
-- 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.
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.
Dangers with Gas Leaks:
-- If you smell or hear gas leaking, leave your home immediately and
contact local gas authorities from outside the home. Do not operate any
electronics, such as lights or phones, before leaving.
CPSC resources:
Carbon Monoxide Safety Center
PSA - Hurricane Safety Tips
PSA - Seguridad en caso de huraca?n
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 nnye@cpsc.gov or call 240-204-4410 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.
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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
