Welcome to CPSC’s podcast for Friday, May 30, 2008. I’m Patty Davis.

Hurricane season starts on June 1st. Are you prepared? CPSC’s Julie Vallese is here to talk about what you need to know. Julie, what is CPSC’s advice for consumers as they prepare for a hurricane?

[Julie]: When you’re making preparations for a hurricane oftentimes you think about putting together that ready kit so that you have your extra food and medicine. But the CPSC really wants you also to include in your plan what to do after the storm, because that is when there are going to be other risks, not only about power outages, but also things in your home, submerged appliances, and cooking and heating equipment. All of these things have some serious risks that may occur after a storm.

[Patty]: Let’s start with power outages. What do consumers need to know?

[Julie]: Well, many people today turn to portable generators. Portable generators have come down considerably in price so there are a lot of people having those on standby. But these generators do have some risks as well as giving some comfort. Consumers need to know if you are using a generator – outside only! It means that all four sides of that generator should be free and clear so that there is air circulating. Never put it in the home, never put it in a crawlspace, not in a basement, not in your garage, not in your shed even if there’s an open window. Your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is just way too great. And also if you do have a generator – you should have this anyway – but make sure you have a CO alarm in your home.

[Patty]: I heard a shocking statistic. Is it true that the amount of carbon monoxide from one generator is equal to hundreds of idling cars in a garage?

[Julie]: As shocking as it may be, that’s why it’s such a great statistic. Yes, it’s true. One generator can put off that much carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide from a generator can kill consumers in minutes. 2006 – at least 65 people died of CO poisoning associated with generators. So it is a risk, but it’s a very, very real risk.

[Patty]: Now some people turn to charcoal grills to cook their food when there’s a power outage because their appliances simply aren’t working. Are there risks associated with that?

[Julie]: There’s really two main risks associated with it – carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. People will turn to charcoal grills because they are easy to run after a storm, but these are things that should stay outside. As silly as it may seem people do bring them inside and start cooking with charcoal grills. And that is a carbon monoxide poisoning risk as well as the more obvious but a fire risk.

[Patty]: Your appliances can get wet during a storm if there’s flooding. What should you do if that happens?

[Julie]: Make sure that you have somebody that is a professional come in and inspect them. Water damage or debris can actually get caught in some of the safety mechanisms and actually have them work improperly. So any time you’re cleaning up after the storm bring some professionals in. Make sure that get everything inspected because what may seem safe may not be safe. And so you don’t want to take any kind of risk for your family.

[Patty]: All right. Thanks Julie. You can find out more about preparing for the aftermath of a hurricane, as well as information about recalls announced by CPSC, at www.cpsc.gov. While you’re there, sign up to receive CPSC’s recall announcements directly to your email inbox. That’s it for this week’s CPSC podcast. Thanks for listening.

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