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CPSC Warns Consumers in Hurricane Florence’s Path to Take Precautions

Release Date: September 13, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hurricane Florence is forecast to make a direct and dangerous hit to the Carolinas and then move on to surrounding states. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers to take precautions.

“Now is the time to prepare,” says CPSC Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. “You still have time to take lifesaving steps to keep your family and friends safe from this dangerous storm.”

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. 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 share CPSC Chairman’s hurricane safety message, our new hurricane safety trifold which can be printed and distributed, and our hurricane safety video with your viewers and listeners. You have the power to prepare!  Don’t sacrifice safety before or after the storm.

Video: Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle’s Safety Message

New CPSC Publication - 'Hurricane Safety: You Have The Power To Prepare'

Hurricane Safety PSA – Before the Storm (30 seconds)

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
18-222

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

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