Important reminders about safely using generators

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County wants to remind residents that using a generator indoors can result in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and even death.

In a short time, CO can build up in enclosed or even partially enclosed spaces, such as your home or garage.

Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and even death. The risk of illness or death increases with the level of CO in the air and the amount of time exposed.

CO is invisible and odorless, so you might not even realize you are at risk until it is too late.

Follow these precautions to help prevent CO poisoning:

• Never use a generator indoors, including inside 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 buildup in the home. 
• Always place the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Closely follow the instructions that come with your generator.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup 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.
• Remember that you cannot see or smell CO. Portable generators produce high levels of CO, very quickly. 
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. DO NOT DELAY.
• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.

If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.