• Officials remind residents that improper generator placement can turn a power outage into a life-threatening emergency
• Learn more at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department

As many Detroit residents continue recovering from recent severe weather and widespread power outages, the Detroit Fire Department is urging everyone using portable generators to make carbon monoxide safety their top priority.

The reminder comes after the heartbreaking carbon monoxide-related deaths of three children in Southeast Michigan in recent days. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. Portable generators can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide in just minutes if they are used improperly, even when operated outdoors too close to a home.

"Our hearts are with the families grieving these unimaginable losses," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "The death of a child is every parent's worst nightmare, and tragedies like these remind us that something as simple as where you place a generator can mean the difference between life and death. Taking a few extra moments to use a generator safely can save lives."

Chief of Fire Prevention Dennis Hunter said many people mistakenly believe they're protected simply because their generator is outdoors. "Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because you can't see it, smell it, or taste it," Hunter said. "Even if your generator is outside, placing it too close to your home—or allowing the exhaust to point toward windows, doors, vents, or your garage—can allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter your home. That's why proper placement is absolutely essential."

Generator Safety Best Practices

The Detroit Fire Department recommends the following:

• Always operate portable generators outdoors—never inside a home, basement, crawl space, garage, shed, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area.
• Keep generators at least 15 feet away from your home whenever possible.
• Point the exhaust away from doors, windows, vents, and other openings where carbon monoxide could enter the home.
• Never operate a generator under an overhang, in a breezeway, or in another location where exhaust can accumulate.
• Keep the generator dry and operate it only on a stable, level surface.
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.
• Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot.
• Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions at all times.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives

Every home should be equipped with working carbon monoxide alarms to provide early warning before dangerous levels of CO accumulate.

The Detroit Fire Department recommends:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Place alarms outside each sleeping area and near bedrooms so they can wake occupants while they are sleeping.
• Test alarms monthly.
• Replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer or whenever the alarm indicates low battery.
• If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately move everyone outside to fresh air, call 911, and do not re-enter the home until it has been determined to be safe.

How Quickly Can Carbon Monoxide Become Deadly?

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen much faster than many people realize.

• Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up within minutes when a generator is used improperly
• High concentrations of carbon monoxide can incapacitate or kill a person before they even recognize something is wrong.
• People who are sleeping are especially vulnerable because they may never wake up as carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream.

Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Early symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of coordination

As exposure continues, symptoms can rapidly progress to:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

If anyone experiences these symptoms after using a generator or being around fuel-burning equipment, leave the building immediately, move to fresh air, and call 911.

The Detroit Fire Department encourages residents to review generator safety before every power outage. Taking a few simple precautions can prevent tragedy and ensure families remain safe while restoring power to their homes.