The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to exercise caution when using generators and candles during the power outage currently affecting portions of the Northeast.
-Shut off all unnecessary electrical appliances and equipment.
-If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.
-Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
-Make sure that the battery in your smoke detector is fresh. Test the smoke detector to make sure it's working.
-Avoid the use of candles if at all possible. Instead use flashlights or glowsticks. If you must use candles do not put them on or near anything that will burn. And never leave burning candles unattended.
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:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800