Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Winter is Coming, Keep Your Family Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Fires

PRNewswire/ — It already feels and looks like winter in some parts of the country, and it won’t be long before the season brings more widespread winter storms. As winter approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other storm hazards.

Loss of Power—Using a Generator Safely

Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. Portable generators create a risk of CO poisoning that can kill in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. Exposed persons may become unconscious before experiencing CO-poisoning symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness, and it can lead to death.

An average of 85 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators.* A recent CPSC report, Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools 2011-2021, shows that African Americans are at higher risk, accounting for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated 12 percent share of the U.S. population in that time frame. 

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 will 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, while keeping windows and other openings closed in the path of the generator’s exhaust.  Do not operate a generator on an outside porch or in a carport. They are too close to the home.
  • 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 and UL 2201–which are estimated to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively.  UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in addition to the CO shut-off feature.

Check CO and Smoke Alarms

  • Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on each level and outside separate sleeping areas at home. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.  A CO alarm is your last line of defense when using a generator–it can save your life!
  • Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level and inside each bedroom at home. 
  • Test CO and smoke 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.
  • Clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up in the house.

Dangers with Portable Heaters

  • Keep all sides of the portable heater at least 3 feet from beds, clothes, curtains, papers, sofas and other items that can catch fire.
  • ALWAYS use a wall outlet; NEVER a power strip and NEVER run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting.
  • Make sure the heater is not near water. NEVER touch it if you are wet.
  • Place the heater on a stable, level surface, located where it will not be knocked over.
  • NEVER leave running unattended in a confined space to reduce hyperthermia hazards.
  • If the heater’s cord or plug is HOT, disconnect the heater and contact an authorized repair person. If any part of the outlet is hot, contact a certified electrician.

Dangers with Charcoal and Candles

  • NEVER use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of CO. Do not cook on a charcoal grill in a garage, even with the door open.
  • Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights 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 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 phone, before leaving.

Remember, stay informed, be prepared and keep safe!

CPSC resources:

Poster – Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Poster – Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer  (Spanish) 

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center (Spanish) 

Fire Safety Center

Fire Safety Center (Spanish)

Link to broadcast quality video for media:
Winter Storm safety b-roll: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/Nf1RH1JDGn
Tornado Safety b-roll:  https://spaces.hightail.com/space/oy0kSjsyzz

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews. Email nnye@cpsc.gov or call 240-204-4410 to arrange for an interview.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

*Annual average for the number of reported fatal non-fire CO exposure deaths associated with generators each year from 2017-2019, the last three years of complete data in CPSC’s report (2011-2021). (Report/Table 3)

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

Advertisement

Featured

Event

Join us for a day of beachside yoga, dance, sound bath sessions, mental health discussions focused on Black women, and plenty of play Beach...

Business Highlight

Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Bank Pioneers Artificial Intelligence Tool to Close the Racial Wealth Gap OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, unveils WiseOne® Insights, a revolutionary...

You May Also Like

Event

Debuting at The Broad with over 90 works made by the artist over the last 20 years, Mickalene Thomas: All About Love is the...

Event

Join us at THE YARD SHOW for a lively celebration of African American traditions in a free public space activation! Click here for details...

Event

LOS ANGELES, September 23, 2024 – The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus announced the lineup for its annual celebrated multicultural two-day entertainment extravaganza featuring jazz, drum-based music,...

Event

Presented by the Los Angeles Center of Photography and Black Women Photographers. Click here for details Los Angeles Center of Photography 252 South Los...