Generators, Grills and Carbon Monoxide: The Outage Killer

After storms and during blackouts, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills people who are trying to stay warm, cook or keep the lights on. CO has no color and no smell, and people who are asleep can die before they ever feel symptoms.

The rules

• Generators stay outside, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never run one inside the house, a garage or carport, or near an opening, even with doors and windows open.
• Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline-, propane- or charcoal-burning devices indoors.
• Don’t grill inside, even in a fireplace.
• Don’t heat your home with a gas oven.
• Install battery-operated or battery-backup CO detectors near every sleeping area. Check the batteries when you change the clocks in spring and fall, and replace detectors as the maker says, or every 5 years.

Symptoms

Headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion: often described as “flu-like.” High levels cause fainting and death. Infants, older adults and people with heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are at higher risk.

If several people (or the pets) feel ill at once, think CO. Get everyone into fresh air immediately and call 911.

Staying warm safely

Without power, gather the household into one small room, close off the rest of the house, dress in layers and share body heat. See hypothermia for the warning signs.