MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
With thousands
of residences and business without power after Friday evenings powerful storm
many residents will turn on their generators to keep cool and power important
appliances. Gasoline powered generators
produce a large volume of carbon monoxide (CO).
CO will sicken you and when exposed to high amounts will kill you. The use of generators have spiked in recent
years due to affordable pricing and their usefulness during power outages. With more generators being used, it is
anticipated that residents may not be completely aware of the dangers
associated with them.
Two homeowners
experienced unfortunate experiences with gasoline-powered generators just this
evening.
A resident on
Jenkins Ridge Road in Bowie had the right idea. Place the generator outside. Unfortunately they placed it on the front
porch near an open door. CO made it’s way into the home and sickened the occupant. Firefighters arrived to find low levels of
CO, however, the occupant already was suffering from exposure. The home was ventilated and the occupant was
evaluated by paramedics and did not wish to be transported to the
hospital.
Shortly after
that incident a house fire was reported in the 3100 block of Teal Lane in
Bowie. Again, the family had the right
idea, place the generator outside the house.
Unfortunately, the generator was placed too close to the house and
ignited a fire. When firefighters
arrived they found heavy fire conditions consuming the house. The house sustained significant damage, however,
the two occupants were not injured.
With power
outages anticipated to last into the week the use of generators will be on the
rise. The Prince George’s County
Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department offer these safety tips when
operating a gasoline-powered generator.
- Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside away from all doors, windows and vent openings. The generator should be placed as far away as possible and at a minimum at least 3 feet away from combustibles-this includes your house.
- Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
- Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
- Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it
- When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
- Apartments and condos are not permitted to use generators on their balconies. CO can enter into living areas above and on either side of your unit.
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