With people using portable generators in the wake of tropical storm Irene, the Connecticut Poison Control Center has been receiving calls about carbon monoxide poisoning. Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, and the poison control center, part of the UConn Health Center, has issued safety advice about the generators and food safety.
“CO cannot be seen, smelled, or heard,” said Amy Hanoian Fontana, community education specialist at the poison control center. “Working CO detectors are the only way to tell if carbon monoxide is in the home. They save lives. All homes should have them, generator or not.”
Other tips include:
Generators should only be used outdoors, more than 20 feet from any building, doors or windows
Never use a generator indoors, including in a basement or garage, even if the doors and windows are open
Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion are the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
People who are sleeping or who have been consuming alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before having symptoms
Consult a health care professional right away if you think you might have carbon monoxide poisoning
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector with a battery backup so it can function during a power outage