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Winter is Coming, Keep Your Family Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Fires


WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It already feels and looks like winter in some parts of the country, and it won't be long before the season brings more widespread winter storms. As winter approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other storm hazards.

Loss of Power?Using a Generator Safely

Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. Portable generators create a risk of CO poisoning that can kill in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. Exposed persons may become unconscious before experiencing CO-poisoning symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness, and it can lead to death.

An average of 85 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators.* A recent CPSC report, Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools 2011-2021, shows that African Americans are at higher risk, accounting for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated 12 percent share of the U.S. population in that time frame. 

In the case of a power outage, follow these important life-saving tips:

Check CO and Smoke Alarms

Dangers with Portable Heaters

Dangers with Charcoal and Candles

Dangers with Gas Leaks:

Remember, stay informed, be prepared and keep safe!

CPSC resources:

Poster ? Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer

Poster ? Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer  (Spanish) 

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center (Spanish) 

Fire Safety Center

Fire Safety Center (Spanish)

Link to broadcast quality video for media:
Winter Storm safety b-rollhttps://spaces.hightail.com/space/Nf1RH1JDGn
Tornado Safety b-roll:  https://spaces.hightail.com/space/oy0kSjsyzz

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews. Email [email protected] or call 240-204-4410 to arrange for an interview.

*Annual average for the number of reported fatal non-fire CO exposure deaths associated with generators each year from 2017-2019, the last three years of complete data in CPSC's report (2011-2021). (Report/Table 3)

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

Release Number: 23-054

 

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission



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