FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2003
Release # 03-184
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
Safety Tips if Hurricane Knocks Out Electricity
CPSC Warns of Dangers from Generators and Candles
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns of
dangers from generators, candles, and other products that might be used
if Hurricane Isabel knocks out electricity. The commission offers these
safety tips:
Never use a generator indoors or in a garage.. Exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide which can be deadly if inhaled. Use a portable
generator outdoors in a dry, ventilated area away from attached garages
or air intakes to the house. Do not store gasoline in the basement or
in an attached garage where gasoline fumes could be ignited. CPSC has
more details about safe use of generators at:
www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/portgen.html
Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty
outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Do not turn on
damaged electrical appliances because of the hazards of electric shock
or fire.
Never use charcoal indoors because burning charcoal gives off carbon
monoxide.
Make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm
are fresh. Test these alarms to make sure they are working.
Exercise caution in the use of candles. Use flashlights instead. If
you use candles, do not put them on or near anything that will burn.
Never leave burning candles unattended. Douse candles when you leave the
room.