Most of us don’t even think about what life would be like without electricity—until we don’t have it.
A storm can take your home off the power grid for a few hours, or even days in the most extreme circumstances. When that happens, your first concern may be finding an alternative power source such as a portable generator to keep you and your family comfortable until the electricity can be reconnected to the grid.
However, there are some serious safety concerns to consider if you use an alternative power source, like carbon monoxide poisoning.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, charcoal, or gasoline are burned incompletely.
When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules displace the oxygen in their bodies which can lead to poisoning. The problem with carbon monoxide is that it has no color and no odor, so you don’t know you’ve been exposed to it until it’s too late.
How Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happens
The most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning come incorrectly installed or improperly maintained or ventilated appliances. This includes appliances like, stoves, ovens, water heaters, heaters, and furnaces.
Portable generators are also a common cause of carbon monoxide exposure. Using a generator indoors can be deadly within minutes because of the exhaust fumes. A portable generator shouldn’t be used in a partially enclosed space such as a garage. This type of generator should only be used outdoors, set away from windows, doors, vents, and crawl spaces.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be easy to miss. The more distinct symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Headache.
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Confusion.
- Blurred vision.
- Drowsiness.
- Loss of muscle control.
- Loss of consciousness.
Long term exposure to the toxic fumes of carbon monoxide can mimic the flu, but without a fever.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home
The best way to prevent CO poisoning in your dwelling is to install a carbon monoxide detector.
More tips to keep you and your family safe from the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Don’t use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.
- If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator, have an expert service it. An odor from your gas refrigerator can mean it could be leaking CO.
- When you purchase gas-powered equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories.
- Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. Horizontal vent pipes for appliances, such as a water heater, should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This prevents CO from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fitted tightly.
- Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris which can cause CO to build up inside your home.
- Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper.
- Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a buildup of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper.
- Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal—red, gray, black, or white—gives off CO.
- Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
- Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
- When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
SERVPRO® Provides Help Around-the-Clock
If used correctly, a generator can be a great tool when you find yourself without power, such as after a storm. If you find yourself in need of cleanup services after such a storm, SERVPRO can help. We offer everything from water damage cleanup and storm damage restoration to mold remediation and air duct cleaning.
With more than 2,300 franchises across the United States and Canada, there’s a SERVPRO location near you, ready to provide top-tier cleaning, restoration, and construction services at a moment’s notice.
With over 50 years in the industry, it’s no wonder SERVPRO is consistently rated as the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.