Consumer Safety Tips For Storm-Ravaged South

Tornadoes that ripped through the south last week caused more than 300 deaths and widespread destruction. Safety officials are now worried the tragedy will be compounded in the aftermath by preventable accidents.

The biggest concern involves portable, gas-powered generators, often used when weather-related incidents have knocked out power to wide areas. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says carbon monoxide (CO) from generators resulted in at least 43 deaths in 2009.

Generator dangers

CPSC strongly warns consumers to never use a generator indoors – including garages, basements, crawlspaces and sheds – even with ventilation. Exhaust fumes contain extremely high levels of carbon monoxide which can rapidly become deadly if inhaled.

Consumers should only use a portable generator outdoors in a dry area away from any doors, windows and vents that could allow CO to come indoors. Wait for the rain to pass before using a generator, as consumer-grade generators are not weatherproof and can cause electrocution and shock when used in wet conditions.

Additional lifesaving safety tips from CPSC include:

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. The CO from generators can quickly lead to full incapacitation and death.
• Do not connect the generator directly into your home's electrical system through an electrical 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.
• Check that the extension cords have a wire gauge adequate for the appliance loads and have all three prongs, including a grounding pin.
• Keep charcoal grills outside. Never use them indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
• Check to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries and are working.

More safety information is available online.