The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the New Jersey Department of Health are reissuing cautions related to portable generators.
The warnings come after the deaths of a young mother and her daughter who succumbed to fumes that came from a gas generator used inside a home in East Orange without proper ventilation, and a similar incident in Maryland where a family of eight perished from possible carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
“There have been a number of tragedies from the use of portable generators,” DCA Acting Commissioner Charles A. Richman said. “We simply want to remind everyone that the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas is deadly. It is very important that people heed these precautions to ensure they do not become a victim of a preventable accident.”
On average, about 170 people die each year from nonautomotive CO poisoning, including furnaces, ranges, water heaters, portable generators and area heaters, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
No one, under any circumstances, should be operating a portable generator or any other combustion-driven device in an enclosed area, least of all a dwelling, Richman said.
“Carbon monoxide often is called the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell, taste or hear it,” New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said. “Exposure to low levels of CO can cause headaches, sleepiness, confusion and irritability. However, exposure to carbon monoxide from generators is preventable, and everyone should learn the basics of generator safety.”
Early symptoms of CO poisoning may mimic the flu without the fever and can include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.
A life-threatening exposure can include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination, loss of consciousness and death.
In order to avoid becoming a victim of CO poisoning, have home heating systems — including chimneys and vents — inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician. Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking, and do not barbecue in the garage. Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside separate sleeping areas.
If CO poisoning is suspected, call 911 immediately, leave the space and call the local fire department from a safe area.
For immediate treatment advice, call New Jersey Poison Information at 800-222- 1222.