DELEG Offers Tips On Staying Safe While Using Generators
Contact:
Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280
Agency:
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
JULY 20, 2009 - Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss offers tips for consumers from the Public Service Commission and Bureau of Fire Services to stay safe when you lose electrical service.
The US Fire Administration in the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment every year.
"Every year we remind Michigan consumers of the precautions they need to take as generators become increasingly popular. It is devastating whenever we hear of a carbon monoxide poisoning tragedy," Pruss said. "We want all homeowners to take few minutes to review these tips to protect your family's health first and foremost when power is out."
State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr said one common mistake is that homeowners believe that opening windows or running fans will prevent carbon monoxide buildup which is inaccurate.
"Carbon monoxide can build up quickly - without any warning signs or smells, which is why it's also called a silent killer. We advise homeowners to use at least one carbon monoxide detector located near the furnace and utility room," Farr said. "Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive ($20 - $40) and can easily be purchased at leading home centers, hardware stores, supermarkets or pharmacy chains."
While you can not smell carbon monoxide, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and weakness. If you experience these symptoms, get fresh air and seek help immediately for possible carbon monoxide poisoning in the local hospital ER where they will conduct a simple blood test.
The Public Service Commission offers an informative consumer alert http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/mpsc-ca_portablegenerator_211961_7.pdf on how to purchase the right generator with safety tips on proper use. Some tips include:
Never operate a generator indoors or in an unventilated area. The exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Do not store gasoline for a generator indoors. Gasoline should be stored in an approved, non-glass safety container. Extinguish all flames or cigarettes when handling gasoline or the generator. Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator. Make sure you have enough fuel to run a generator for an extended period of time - during a power outage, gas stations may be closed.
Never refuel a generator while it is running. Shut it off and let it cool for 10 minutes before refueling to minimize the danger of fire.
Parts of the generator are very hot during operation. Avoid contact - especially with the muffler area. Keep children away at all times.
Protect the generator from rain and other moisture sources to prevent electrocution.
When not in use, store the generator in a dry location such as a garage or shed.
The PSC also recommends that homeowners put together an emergency use kit for their home to prepare for power outages. The kit should include:
Flashlights
Battery-powered radio
Extra batteries
Candles
Blankets
First-aid kit
Nonperishable food
Battery-operated lantern
Drinking water - (1 gallon per person per day)
Some emergency cash
The PSC recommends that you keep a list of emergency numbers near the telephone - including the number to the local electric company. Unless telephone lines are down, landline telephone service should remain available during an electrical power outage. Cellular service may not work if power to the cell tower system is disrupted.
It's also important to protect electrical items like TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens, or a home computer with voltage surge suppressors. If these items are not protected, unplug them before a storm begins to prevent damage.
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