When a hurricane or severe storm knocks out power, the deadliest threat often arrives in the hours that follow — not from the storm itself, but from portable generators used indoors. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that approximately 85 to 100 consumers die in the United States every year from carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators. The danger is not the generators themselves — it is where people put them.
Why Generator CO Kills So Quickly
Portable generators produce carbon monoxide in concentrations that can kill within minutes. CO is colorless and odorless — victims often lose consciousness before experiencing any recognizable symptoms. A single generator produces as much CO as hundreds of cars running simultaneously. CPSC warns that opening windows and doors does not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal CO levels inside a home, garage, or shed. Even running a generator on a porch or in a garage with the door open has caused deaths.
After Hurricane Ida, CPSC received information on 256 homes in Louisiana that reported CO exposure incidents — 105 of which were directly tied to generator exhaust infiltrating the home. Following Hurricane Laura, at least 8 people died from generator-related CO poisoning. At least 6 more died following Hurricane Ida.
Life-Saving Rules
- Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, or covered porch. No exceptions.
- Place generators outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointing away from all windows, doors, and vents.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside every sleeping area. Test them monthly.
- If your CO alarm goes off, get everyone outside immediately and call 911.
- Never use a charcoal grill, gas camp stove, or oven to heat your home during a power outage.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
