CPSC Issues Warning Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole

Carbon Monoxide from Generators Can Kill in Minutes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tropical storm Nicole is forecast to bring hazardous weather to Florida and other southeastern states as early as Wednesday night. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers in the path of this dangerous storm about the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from portable generators and other post-storm hazards.

Loss of Power—Using a Generator Safely

Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. Portable generators create a risk of CO poisoning that can kill in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. Exposed persons may become unconscious before experiencing the milder CO-poisoning symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.

CPSC has reports on the deaths of an average of 85 consumers in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators.* A recent CPSC report, Fatal Incidents Associated with Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Engine-Driven Generators and Other Engine-Driven Tools 2011-2021, shows that African Americans are at higher risk, accounting for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated 12 percent share of the U.S. population in that time frame.

In the case of a power outage, follow these important life-saving tips:

Check CO and Smoke Alarms

Dangers with Charcoal and Candles

Dangers with Wet Appliances:

Dangers with Gas Leaks:

Remember, stay informed, be prepared and keep safe!

CPSC resources:

PSA – Hurricane Safety Tips (English)

PSA – Hurricane Safety Tips (Spanish)

Poster – Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer

Poster – Carbon Monoxide (CO) the Invisible Killer (Spanish)

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center (Spanish)

Link to broadcast quality video for media:

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews. Email [email protected] or call 240-204-4410 to arrange for an interview.

*Annual average for the number of reported fatal non-fire CO exposure deaths associated with generators each year from 2017-2019, the last three years of complete data in CPSC's report (2011-2021). (Report/Table 3)

About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Please use the below phone number for all media requests.

Phone: (301) 504-7908Spanish: (301) 504-7800

View CPSC contacts for specific areas of expertise