It’s officially summer! It’s the time of the year where the sun is out, the nights are longer and families are spending quality time outdoors. However; in the eastern region of the United States it also means that hurricane season is at its peak, which means portable gasoline-powered generators are running day and night to provide backup power. The misuse of these backup generators can lead to harmful carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20,000 non-fatal, non-fire related CO poisonings that occur each year are caused by post-storm scenario gasoline-powered generators. By installing a CO detector and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely use a portable generator in case of a power outage.

Properly Positioning Generators

In a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), generator placement was the main source of CO poisonings. Many individuals determine the placement of their generator based on access to appliances and power boxes. Since power outages can last for days, accessibility to the generator for refueling and switching power cords plays a role in location, too.

When choosing the location of your gasoline-powered generator, we recommend placing the generator more than 20 feet away from indoor structures including:

• The home
• Attached garages or carports and detached garages
• Screened porches
• Covered patios
• Basements
• Standalone utility buildings/sheds

Providing Peace of Mind 

CO detectors are the best way to ensure you and your family are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCLS), 38 states and the District of Columbia require CO detectors in private homes. We offer a solution that will not only detect carbon monoxide but send alerts directly to you in the case of an event — our line of 2GIG® Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

The 2GIG® Wireless Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a 3V battery powered wireless detector you can use with your new or existing wireless alarm system. Our detector communicates with the security panel and can send alarms along with tamper and battery condition messages to the system’s receiver. Other key features include:

• Built-in 85 decibel sounder so the entire residence will be notified of CO detection
• Hush/Test button for simple use
• Tamper protected case to avoid damage
• End-of-life detector to notify residents when it’s time to change the battery

Whether need to add a detector to your home or are looking to upgrade your current one, 2GIG® Carbon Monoxide Detectors are a sure solution that will provide peace of mind to the entire family!

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