CPSC, Issues Warning to Hurricane Victims to Prevent CO Poisonings, Electrocutions, Explosions and Fires
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 1998
Release # 98-159
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC Issues Warning to Hurricane Victims to Prevent CO Poisonings, Electrocutions, Explosions and Fires
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) is warning hurricane victims that
gasoline-powered generators should not be used indoors,
because of the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also,
all gas control valves, electric circuit breakers, round
fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and fuses that have been
under water must be replaced to avoid electrocutions,
explosions and fires.
CPSC Chairman Ann Brown said, "If people use
gasoline-powered generators indoors, they could die from CO
poisoning. Opening doors and windows or operating fans does
not guarantee safety."
CO poisoning from the use of fuel-burning appliances
kills more than 200 people each year and sends about 10,000
to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any
fuel. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to
the flu, and include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea
and irregular breathing. Exposure to high levels of CO can
cause death.
"CPSC recommends that consumers use gasoline-powered
generators outdoors and away from air intakes to prevent CO
poisoning," Brown said. "And every home should have at
least one CO detector that meets the requirements of the
most recent Underwriters Laboratories standard 2034 or the
requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard."
Replacing Flood-Damaged Gas Control Valves, Electric Circuit
Breakers, GFCIs and Fuses
Even if these safety devices appear to function after
being submerged in a flood, they are unfit for continued use
and cannot be repaired. They may eventually fail, causing
electrocutions, explosions or fires. Other parts of gas and
electric appliances that have been submerged such as fans,
motors, electric circuits, and venting systems should be
evaluated by a qualified technician for continued safe
operation. Entire appliances may need to be replaced.
Gas control valves on furnaces, water heaters, and
other gas appliances that have been under water must be
replaced. Silt and corrosion from flood water can damage
internal components of control valves and prevent proper
operation. Gas can leak and result in an explosion or fire.
Gas control valves that have been under water cannot be
salvaged; they must be replaced.
Electric circuit breakers, GFCIs, and fuses that have
been submerged must also be replaced because water and silt
inside the devices prevent them from performing properly as
safety devices. Flood water and silt trapped inside circuit
breakers or switches can cause electrical shorting or
mechanical malfunctions. The only safe action is to discard
and replace circuit breakers, GFCIs, and fuses that have
been under water.
CPSC also recommends that consumers replace smoke
detectors and CO detectors that have been submerged.
