Using generators safely

By Luann Boyer

CSU Family and Consumer Extension Agent, Morgan County

With recent winter storms causing power outages, and with the extremely cold weather, American consumers are buying portable generators in record numbers. While generators can make life more bearable during power outages, they should be used with extreme caution or you could be killed in a matter of minutes.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 65 people died last year from carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust of portable generators. Here are tips from CPSC to make sure your winter is safe if you decide to use a generator.

The most important thing you can do is to read the instruction manual for the generator completely before beginning use.

Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

Locate the generator away from the house or other buildings where people will be spending time. Keep the generator away from areas where exhaust can be sucked in through openings to the homes such as doors, windows or vents.

It is recommended that carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup be installed in any home where occupants might possibly be exposed to CO gases.

If a person starts to feel sick, weak or dizzy, they should leave the home and get fresh air immediately. CO poisoning can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

CPSC recently mandated a new danger label on generators manufactured after May 14, 2007 which states that "Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES." The agency is also looking at other requirements for generator engines to reduce CO emissions.

Carbon monoxide is just one of many indoor air contaminants that we can be exposed to daily in our homes. Colorado State University Extension has resources on Indoor Air Quality. If you have questions on air quality in your home, contact Morgan County Extension at 970-542-3544.sd

3/24/08
None\3-C

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com