DETROIT – A family of three is in the hospital after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning at their west Detroit home.
A woman and her children were poisoned by a generator releasing carbon monoxide inside their home in the 1900 block of Montrose.
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There is no word on their conditions at this time.
Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available.
The Detroit Fire Department offers these safety precautions for using generators to power a home:
- Never operate a generator indoors or in an unventilated area. The exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
- Do not store gasoline for a generator indoors. Gasoline should be stored in an approved, non-glass safety container. Extinguish all flames or cigarettes when handling gasoline or the generator. Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.
- Make sure you have enough fuel to run a generator for an extended period of time; during a power outage, gas stations may be closed.
- Never refuel a generator while it is running. Shut it off and let it cool for 10 minutes before refueling to minimize the danger of fire.
- Parts of the generator are very hot during operation. Avoid contact especially with the muffler area. Keep children away at all times.
- Protect the generator from rain and other moisture sources to prevent electrocution.
- When not in use, store the generator in a dry location such as a garage or shed.
Homeowners are also encouraged to put together an emergency use kit for their home to prepare for power outages.
The kit should include:
- Flashlights
- Battery powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Candles
- Blankets
- First aid kit
- Nonperishable food
- Battery operated lantern
- Drinking water (one gallon per person per day)
- Some emergency cash
For more information about the safe use of generators, call the Detroit Fire Department Fire Marshal Division at (313) 596-2968.
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