Misuse of Generators and Small Engines Proves Fatal
Dozens of deaths followed Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma
Release Date: April 6, 2006
Release Number: 1603-429
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BATON ROUGE, La. - Following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005, at least 32 residents of Gulf states, including numerous Louisianians, lost their lives from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to information gathered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and provided to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
CPSC believes that many lives can be saved if homeowners take carbon monoxide poisoning dangers seriously and use safety precautions around lawn mowers, charcoal grills, generators, and other fuel burning devices. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as a silent killer - it is an odorless, colorless gas that can do its damage undetected, so it is essential to follow some guidelines around fuel-burning engines, equipment and appliances.
Consumer Product Safety Commission Recommendations
- Don't run a gas burning engine in an enclosed space such as garage, crawl space or basement.
- Do your charcoal-grilling in the great outdoors: The fatal charm of cholesterol is a piece of cake compared to carbon monoxide.
- Keep gas-burning generators far enough away from open windows and air vents to avoid sending exhaust fumes into occupied spaces.
- If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning-dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness-get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly-equipped personnel.
- A smoke detector will not detect carbon monoxide. Obtain and use a carbon monoxide detector. It's reasonably priced and it will sound an alarm when carbon monoxide in the air reaches hazardous levels.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 07-Apr-2006 09:23:49