Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
(A Safety Advisory For All
Portable Generator Users)
Typically, no one talks about (CMP) carbon monoxide
poisoning… that is until tragedy strikes and then it’s usually
only for a very brief moment in time. Through the years, I’ve
tracked countless such fatalities and find that many of them
are due to improper use of generators. Invariably, every one of
these tragic accidents and incidents could have been avoided.
If you or someone you know uses any type of generator, make
sure these read this generator safety advisory. It may save
their lives and the lives of others.
Portable Generators Can be Dangerous
When Not Used According To Instructions
I've often asked myself, "Why doesn't my industry put forth
more effort in educating consumers and the public at large
about (CMP) carbon monoxide poisoning that stems from the
improper use of generators?" Take note of these heartbreaking
incidents.
In February 2009, John Stigall of Shakertown,
Kentucky, a beloved businessman and chairman of the
Boyle County Industrial Foundation, was found dead
of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a
portable generator. The couple that found him,
described him as lying down near the generator.
In December 2008, Richard and Diane Desjardins of
Haverhill, Massachusetts barely survived carbon
monoxide poisoning. They were said to have placed
their generator inside the cellar to keep their
sump pump running during an ice storm.
In December 2006, five members of a Vietnamese
family in Seattle, Washington, perished from (CMP).
They had a generator running in the family's garage
after a windstorm knocked out power to the
region.
In December 2008, 49-year-old Larry Jenkins, also
in Massachusetts, succumbed to carbon monoxide
poisoning. After the power went out in his camper,
he resorted to using a
portable generator.
|
This list seems like its never ending. Hopefully you do more
than get the point.
Be proactive!
If you know anyone who owns and/or uses a portable generator,
ask him or her have they taken precautions to prevent a (CMP)
accident. Here are some startling facts. Did you know that most
people never read their manuals unless they have a problem that
are unable to resolve. This is critical because almost every
manual that I've read includes warnings about (CMP) and how to
avoid potential hazards.
Did you know that many of the incidents of carbon monoxide
poisoning occur during power outages? Of course this stands to
reason; this is when you'll find a high percentage of
individuals unwittingly operating gasoline powered portable
generators inside their homes or near windows or doors. Heed
this revelation; when portable generators are placed near
windows and doors and in areas such as garages, basements,
sheds and other enclosed spaces, the risk of (CMP) multiplies
threefold!
Why is (CMP) so deadly? Mainly due to the fact that the gas is
tasteless, colorless, odorless and is non-irritant. You can't
see it. You can't smell it. You can't taste it and it doesn't
cause any easily identifiable tell tale signs. People who
survived CMP described the symptoms they felt as being flu
like, or similar to food poisoning or other common illnesses.
The danger in that is, most people have a tendency to lie down
when they feel sick and when it comes to carbon monoxide
poisoning; lying down is something you never want to do.
That's why you must heed warnings such this and take these
proper precautions. First and foremost, never but never place a
portable generator indoors. Not even for a few moments. It
doesn't take long for the average person to be overcome with
(CMP). Secondly, make sure you install a carbon monoxide
detector on every level of your residence. These detectors make
it easy to detect (CO) in your home, mobile home, RV or other
living quarters. It acts much like a fire alarm; if it detects
any CO in the air, it emits a screeching beep. Thirdly, don't
assume anything; read your generator manual from the front
cover to the back jacket. They wrote it to protect you and make
using a generator a safe and enjoyable experience.
Read my safety advisory for
RV Generators.
|