Generator Blog

With so many people in the region relying on alternative fuel sources because of storm-related power outages, fire officials are urging people to exercise caution when using emergency generators in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

A Washington County couple died over the weekend from carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency and law enforcement personnel found a recently running gas generator in the basement of the home of James and Ann Garland, where the couple were found dead in their bedroom Sunday afternoon.

Kingsport Fire Department Public Education Officer Barry Brickey said such tragedies are all too common during the winter and in times of stormy weather when power outages occur.

“Folks are trying to manage or just get a source of heat going, and the fumes given off by a generator or other source are dangerous, even if they are properly set up outside,” Brickey said.

“(Carbon monoxide) is an odorless gas that is colorless and invisible. When you use gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane to heat or cook things inside, that is when the levels can get dangerously high and can be fatal.

“It is very important to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. Most people will have things like generators running outside their homes, but those fumes can sometimes find their way back into the house, and those levels must be monitored.”

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Fire Protection Association shows 166 people died from unintentional non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning between 2002 and 2004.

More than 15,000 people were treated for carbon monoxide related sickness, and municipal fire departments responded to 61,100 related incidents in that time span, the report said.

Tips recommended by the NFPA include:

• Alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the house and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.

• For the best protection, interconnect all carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

• Choose an alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the carbon monoxide alarm sounds.

• Test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.

• If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone in the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.

• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow buildup.

• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

• Gas or charcoal grills can produce carbon monoxide — only use them outside.