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CPSC Safety Alert: Surviving Hurricane Lane

Release Date: August 23, 2018
  • Take time to prepare before the storm.
    Take time to prepare before the storm.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers in the path of powerful Hurricane Lane in Hawaii to important safety tips for surviving the hurricane.

There are many things consumers can do before the storm hits. Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase. That’s why now is the time to make sure of the following precautions:

  • Use portable gas generators safely. 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. They should be placed outside separate sleeping areas and on each floor of your home.
  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries!  They should be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.

Please watch the CPSC Acting Chairman’s hurricane safety message, our new hurricane safety video and our hurricane safety tips. You have the power to prepare!  Don’t sacrifice safety before or after the storm.

Message from CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle on hurricane safety.

Hurricane Safety PSA – 3 Tips To Weather The Storm (30 seconds).

Release Number
18-208

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:

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Spanish: (301) 504-7800

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