The Kansas City Missouri Fire Department warned residents about the potentially deadly consequences of using portable generators in the home.
What’s happening?
KCTV5 summarized KCFD’s warning against using portable generators inside the home, including in garages and basements. These devices can release dangerous carbon monoxide gas into the air. The only exception, the outlet said, is a battery-run version.
“They produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide and can quickly fill up the house with deadly levels of carbon monoxide, so do not operate a generator indoors,” KCFD Chief Michael Hopkins told the news station. “Make sure it’s outdoors and downwind from any windows or doors because the draft can actually still pull that carbon monoxide inside. That would be first and foremost. Just don’t operate it indoors. It can be deadly.”
The department also advised against using gas-powered stoves, which can also emit carbon monoxide, to heat homes.
Why is carbon monoxide concerning?
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” since it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in the air. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires…