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CPSC Warns Consumers in Tropical Storm Barry’s Path to Take Precautions When Using Portable Generators

Release Date: July 12, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. Tropical Storm Barry could become the first hurricane of the season before its expected landfall in Louisiana Saturday morning. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers to take precautions. Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase. Here’s how you can keep your family safe.

  • Use portable gas generators safely. Read the label on your generator and the owner’s manual BEFORE use.
  • If you lose power, use your generator OUTSIDE your house ONLY, at least 20 feet from your home. 
  • NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from generators is poisonous and can KILL you in minutes. CO is called the “invisible killer” because you cannot see it or smell it.
  • Make sure you have working CO alarms in your home.
  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries! 

CPSC resources:

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center

Link to NSN poster

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews before or after the storm on these and other safety tips.  Contact CPSC’s Office of Communications at 301-504-7908.                     

Release Number
19-166

About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years. 

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Media Contact

Please use the below phone number for all media requests.

Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800

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