BETHLEHEM, Pa. - As a strong winter storm approaches the Northeast, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning about possible carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- A winter storm is coming to the Lehigh Valley, with scattered power outages likely
- The improper use of portable generators due to a power outage can lead to fatal carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- CPSC provides ways to prevent CO poisoning likely caused by portable generators
The winter storm is expected to bring heavy rain and snow from the mid-Atlantic through the Northeast, dropping temperatures below freezing.
The Lehigh Valley is expected to see a flood watch transition to a flash freeze as an arctic front moves through, sending temperatures plummeting.
Strong, gusting winds could lead to power outages and the use of portable generators across the region.
The improper use of portable generators can cause CO poisoning. According to the CPSC, portable generators cause an average of 85 consumer deaths due to CO poisoning in the U.S. each year.
CO is known as the "invisible killer" because it has no color or odor. Exposed individuals may become unconscious before experiencing CO-poisoning symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or weakness, which can result in death.
In light of this, the CPSC suggests that consumers should be especially cautious when storms knock out power. The organization also provides the following life-saving tips in case a power outage happens and portable generators are needed:
- Never use a portable generator in indoor spaces such as a home, basement or garage even though the doors and windows are open.
- Operating a portable generator outside is fine, but it should be at least 20 feet away from the house. An outside porch or a carport is still too close to the home.
- Look for a portable generator with a CO shut-off safety feature, which is meant to turn the generator off automatically when there are high CO levels nearby.
- Make sure the generator you use is maintained well and follow the instructions on it.
- Install CO and smoke alarms on every level and in each bedroom at home, and test them monthly to make sure they work properly. Get out of the house and call 911 when the alarms sound.
