With a winter storm bearing down on Houston, fire officials are sounding the alarm on the dangers of improper generator use. As residents prep for potential power outages, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical hazards looms large. Pasadena Volunteer fire officials, in a statement obtained by CW39, explained that a spike in emergency calls is common during freezes, with a significant number tied to carbon monoxide exposure from incorrectly used generators.
To safely navigate the risks, authorities outline critical steps. Generators must be operated outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from homes or buildings, and certainly not in enclosed spaces like garages. According to the Cy-Fair Fire Department, shared via Click2Houston, this practice is essential to prevent the deadly "silent killer," carbon monoxide, from entering living spaces.
Reading the manufacturer’s manual before using a generator can also help in understanding its power capacity and outlet types. This ensures that residents don't to mistakenly overload the unit, which can result in damage or a fire risk. Pasadena fire officials told CW39, that residents should use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords, and connect each appliance with its own cord to prevent overheating.
Lt. Eddie Cruz of the Houston Fire Department warned against a common but dangerous practice: plugging a generator into a wall socket. He stressed that generators should only be refueled when turned off and cooled, and oil levels must be checked regularly.
In light of the approaching storm, residents are advised to ensure they have working carbon monoxide detectors and to never run generators while sleeping. As overnight use can be especially risky, these precautions could indeed save lives. Emergency service personnel are set to remain on-site during severe events, as per local fire departments, promising swift response times for those in urgent need.
