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Using a gas-powered generator? Know the risks

philly.com -- Two sisters are dead in Trenton. So are an elderly woman in Upper Merion and a grandfather in the Lehigh Valley. The rest of his family was taken for emergency treatment to the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and the children's hospital next door.

The culprit in these deaths - and hospitalizations too numerous to count - is carbon-monoxide poisoning from home generators whose use mushrooms during power outages.

"There is a real public-health emergency going on," said Fred Henretig, senior toxicologist at the regional Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Most people realize that running gasoline-powered generators (and charcoal grills) inside the house can be dangerous; the instructions say so in big type. "So they put the generator in their

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Submitted Nov 02, 2012 By: teafortwo

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teenitup Champion Author Houston Posts:1,655 Points:250,910 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Nov 4, 2012 10:14:33 AM Ignore teenitup Report Abuse Make sure you drain the tank of ethanol laced gas after use!
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,003 Points:598,710 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 7:27:04 PM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse Thank you for posting.
derKraut Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,095 Points:1,228,400 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 1:48:15 PM Ignore derKraut Report Abuse Just like the smart folks that use Propane BBQs in a closed garage in Winter.
JustDrill4Oil Veteran Author Dayton Posts:367 Points:33,505 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 1:24:38 PM Ignore JustDrill4Oil Report Abuse Another monument to Charles Darwin. Sadly somebodys gonna sue a generator company and a dumb jury will give them millions making generators more expensive for everyone.
52MPG Champion Author Dayton Posts:7,267 Points:1,742,680 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 9:33:33 AM Ignore 52MPG Report Abuse It is amassing that people do not read directions.
MiCARgo Veteran Author Akron Posts:311 Points:25,570 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:49:26 AM Ignore MiCARgo Report Abuse To the person below> The only thing powered by cat poop is our dog!!
MiCARgo Veteran Author Akron Posts:311 Points:25,570 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:48:10 AM Ignore MiCARgo Report Abuse Once upon a time in the winter, we used a Sears K1 heater 24 hours a day FOR 3 weeks, till furnace got fixed. Kept the windows cracked a bit and did not refill it while it was lit. Enough to keep us warm temporarily. Never hope to do that again! It was a calculated risk. PS if ya fill it with gas, not kerosene or K1, it will explode.
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:5,972 Points:1,276,975 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:44:12 AM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse There are a lot of first time users in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
rawdog1313 Champion Author Lexington Posts:3,304 Points:1,643,780 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:42:51 AM Ignore rawdog1313 Report Abuse Be Careful!
heartbroken2010 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:4,349 Points:898,510 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:42:09 AM Ignore heartbroken2010 Report Abuse any noxious fumes will cause problems for people.
TNT2EC Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:4,994 Points:1,513,585 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:40:39 AM Ignore TNT2EC Report Abuse Like a generator, so too using a BBQ Grill in doors. Deadly move.
danreino Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:8,353 Points:1,540,730 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:40:34 AM Ignore danreino Report Abuse Are there any powered by cat poop ?
nztyraider Champion Author Nevada Posts:2,273 Points:694,075 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:38:42 AM Ignore nztyraider Report Abuse Don't think there's enough sunshine to run a solar powered generator.
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:5,609 Points:800,300 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:33:35 AM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse Very dangerous.
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,718 Points:732,815 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:27:59 AM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Very logical to those l;isted listed
MAC48 Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,547 Points:766,965 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:26:58 AM Ignore MAC48 Report Abuse There is no cure nor help for those who do not take the time to read the user manual or have not been instructed in the use of a generator by an experienced generator operator. Any gasoline or diesel powered engine or heating device must be vented properly either by being away from the structure at least 20 feet or being properly vented with a vent pipe or hose running up above the structure or vented through a window or roof opening. Not only is this venting requirement true for generators but it also applies to gas water heaters and gas dryers.
bobdec Champion Author Miami Posts:8,969 Points:1,770,795 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:26:42 AM Ignore bobdec Report Abuse Anything using gas needs to be fully understood before using
mrbee Champion Author Little Rock Posts:3,759 Points:2,466,805 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:25:49 AM Ignore mrbee Report Abuse What happened to common sense.
badharley Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,030 Points:741,285 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:25:10 AM Ignore badharley Report Abuse you got to know how to use one.
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:34,250 Points:2,372,345 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:25:01 AM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse pretty sad stuff
MrLintek Rookie Author Montana Posts:6 Points:256,560 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:24:12 AM Ignore MrLintek Report Abuse Make sure you run the exhaust outside while running... duh.
HoBuddy2012 Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:161 Points:156,550 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:23:36 AM Ignore HoBuddy2012 Report Abuse alright
obimerrill Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,445 Points:290,690 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:22:56 AM Ignore obimerrill Report Abuse There's a reason many generators come with longer power cables to allow you to move them away from where they are used.
Bildawg Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,066 Points:482,470 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:22:26 AM Ignore Bildawg Report Abuse ya
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:5,497 Points:1,511,355 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:22:03 AM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse Good grief. I feel sorry for those without power - at least it was not in the middle of winter.
Zonk Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,486 Points:2,102,990 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:21:22 AM Ignore Zonk Report Abuse Unfortunate, but people are uninformed.
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:8,308 Points:1,903,955 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:20:58 AM Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse fire
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,901 Points:773,245 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:20:27 AM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse tasteless use of humour in this case.
treehood Champion Author San Diego Posts:2,046 Points:396,900 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:16:36 AM Ignore treehood Report Abuse "The culprit in these deaths - and hospitalizations too numerous to count - is carbon-monoxide poisoning from home generators whose use mushrooms during power outages." has anyone figured out what mushroom use has to do with home generators?
Rooster922 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:3,793 Points:657,045 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:15:53 AM Ignore Rooster922 Report Abuse Food will spoil without gas, right?
steve621 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:2,002 Points:2,109,155 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:15:25 AM Ignore steve621 Report Abuse k
crreed1 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:1,990 Points:2,527,310 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:15:22 AM Ignore crreed1 Report Abuse dumb things people do
streetcars Champion Author Toledo Posts:12,269 Points:2,607,615 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:15:18 AM Ignore streetcars Report Abuse D-oh!
Beboper Champion Author Virginia Posts:8,732 Points:2,164,765 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:14:38 AM Ignore Beboper Report Abuse old news
jcdakota Champion Author Baltimore Posts:1,347 Points:361,345 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:13:41 AM Ignore jcdakota Report Abuse Darwin was right - survival of the fitest ( smartest). Any idiot who puts a gasoline engine any where near their living area is to dumb to survive!
speedraider Champion Author Orlando Posts:3,678 Points:1,645,870 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:12:37 AM Ignore speedraider Report Abuse use common sense
Bigwaynef Champion Author South Carolina Posts:11,480 Points:2,081,735 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:12:33 AM Ignore Bigwaynef Report Abuse It's amazing some of the things people do...
Glock26 Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,529 Points:633,360 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:08:58 AM Ignore Glock26 Report Abuse Where they using it in the house??
RAE344 Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:3,064 Points:661,520 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:07:03 AM Ignore RAE344 Report Abuse "The stupid shall be punished"
keithyoon1977 Champion Author Virginia Posts:1,919 Points:496,690 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:06:54 AM Ignore keithyoon1977 Report Abuse ok
tommiegIN Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:221 Points:66,370 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:06:09 AM Ignore tommiegIN Report Abuse Can't people read warning labels.
mpg611 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,339 Points:570,070 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:06:05 AM Ignore mpg611 Report Abuse Carbon monoxide is a big risk. Never use those indoors.
1momsunshine Champion Author Ottawa Posts:5,495 Points:1,001,555 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:05:58 AM Ignore 1momsunshine Report Abuse Good to know
RetFireLT Champion Author Kentucky Posts:2,660 Points:171,185 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:05:42 AM Ignore RetFireLT Report Abuse Ok.
boatfloyd Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:1,723 Points:388,950 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:05:23 AM Ignore boatfloyd Report Abuse Very Dangerous.
rahcat Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,473 Points:663,175 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:04:18 AM Ignore rahcat Report Abuse Just use some common sense.
FortVancouver01 Champion Author Washington Posts:1,170 Points:288,045 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:04:11 AM Ignore FortVancouver01 Report Abuse A must read for anyone using a portable generator or even running their car in the garage to power something up. Best place for that generator is the back porch away from any open windows or verts including vents under the house. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS...
ricoblanco Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,593 Points:360,855 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:03:47 AM Ignore ricoblanco Report Abuse The more you know
vibdata Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,090 Points:849,300 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:03:28 AM Ignore vibdata Report Abuse Suggestion: Do not BREATHE when running generator. Learn to hold breath a LONG time. Or else vent it properly. Oh, and if on Long Island, just turn it off before it runs out of fuel. Cause you won't get anymore for a while.
Cashless Champion Author Akron Posts:3,520 Points:735,055 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Nov 3, 2012 12:03:10 AM Ignore Cashless Report Abuse Good to know.