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| Page: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (A Safety Advisory For All Portable Generator Users) |
Putting a Stop To The Tragedies
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.
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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.