FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2004
Release # 04-197
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contacts: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052, and Eric Criss, (301)
504-7908
Surviving the Aftermath of a Hurricane, Tornado, or Flood
CPSC Warns of Post-Storm Hazards from Generators, Candles, and Wet
Appliances
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns of
dangers from generators, candles, and wet appliances after a natural
disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood knocks out electricity.
The Commission offers these safety tips:
Never use a generator indoors, including garages, basements, and
crawlspaces, even with ventilation. Exhaust fumes contain high levels of
carbon monoxide (CO) which can be deadly if inhaled. Use a portable
generator outdoors in a dry area away from doors, windows, and vents
that could allow CO to come indoors. Never store gasoline in the home or
near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a
garage where gasoline fumes could be ignited. CPSC has more details
about safe use of generators at: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/portgen.pdf
Plug individual appliances into heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension
cords and plug the cords into the generator. Check that the extension
cords have a wire gauge adequate for the appliance loads. Make sure that
each cord is free of cuts or tears and its plug has all three prongs,
especially a grounding pin.
Do not use electrical or gas appliances that have been wet and do not
turn on damaged appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or
fire. Do not use gas appliances that have been submerged because silt
can make valves inoperable, leading to a gas leak or fire.
Never use charcoal indoors because burning charcoal produces high levels
of carbon monoxide that can reach lethal levels in enclosed spaces.
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 when using candles. Use flashlights instead. If you
must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch
fire. Keep burning candles away from drafts. Never leave burning candles
unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.