Safety Is First Priority In Disaster Recovery
Watch for carbon monoxide, fire and electrical hazards when using power tools
Release Date: April 22, 2009
Release Number: 1829-031
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BISMARCK, N.D. - After a disaster, residents often turn to using generators and other gasoline-powered equipment. Or, people use gas and charcoal grills as temporary heat sources. Doing either can create deadly carbon monoxide, warn the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES).
Studies by the Centers for Disease Control show that CO exposure kills hundreds of people every year and thousands more are treated in hospitals for CO exposure unrelated to fires. Deaths occur more often during the winter and men are 2.3 times more likely to die from exposure than women. The death rate is highest among seniors, possibly because the population is at higher risk for undetected CO exposure. Here's a quick checklist for preventing problems from CO:
- Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911. (CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms.)
- Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, nauseous, disoriented, losing muscle control or short of breath.
- Don't use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage, or near a window, even with ventilation.
- Don't run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
- Don't burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented.
- Don't heat your house with a gas oven.
- For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention visit http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm.
Besides CO, generators not handled safely can create electrical and fire hazards. To avoid electrical hazards:
- Keep the generator dry. Use a canopy open at the sides to keep moisture away.
- Dry your hands before touching the generator. Use ear protection to avoid damage to hearing.
- Use ground fault circuit interruptors (GFCIs), especially around wet or damp locations. Extension cords with built-in GFCIs can be purchased at locations that sell electrical equipment.
- Don't use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Don't use any equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, three-pronged extension cord.
- Never try to plug the generator into a wall outlet to power a house. Backfeeding can result, causing an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer. A utility company or qualified electrician may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.
To avoid fire hazards:
- Before refueling, turn off the generator and let it cool. Fuel spilled on a hot engine can ignite.
- Store fuel for gasoline-powered appliances outside of living areas in properly labeled non-glass containers.
- Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliances.
For more information on North Dakota disaster recovery operations, visit http://www.fema.gov/midwestfloods.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 22-Apr-2009 17:46:46