FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2008

Release #08-232

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As flood waters begin to recede and residents return home, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues a warning to those affected by the floods in the Midwest. When there's a power outage, NEVER use portable generators inside the home, in an attached garage or in any other partially enclosed space. Generator exhaust contains high levels of colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill in minutes.

334 people died from generator-related CO poisoning from 1999-2006.

Recent data show that as use of generators has increased, so too have deaths - tragically there are about 50 per year. Many of these deaths occurred after major storms knocked out power.

The Commission provides these important life-saving tips:

Generator Safety

Never use a portable generator indoors - including open garages, basements, crawlspaces and sheds. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.

During use, keep portable generators outdoors and far away from open doors, windows and vents, so that CO does not build up indoors.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Exposure to CO from generators can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

Keep generators dry. Wait for the rain to pass before using a generator.

Consumer-grade generators are not weatherproof and can pose the risk of electrocution and shock when used in wet conditions.

Do not connect the generator directly into your home's electrical system through a receptacle outlet - this is an extremely dangerous practice that poses a fire hazard and an electrocution hazard to utility workers and neighbors served by the same transformer.

If using a generator, plug individual appliances into heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cords and plug cords into the generator.