What you need to know about generator safety during hurricane season

Brenda Argueta, Digital Journalist

ORLANDO, Fla. – With the upcoming hurricane season, the threat of tropical storms or hurricanes brings the potential for residents to be without power for some time.

The increased use of generators also brings the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, if used incorrectly.

Orange County Fire Rescue said the best way to stay safe in the aftermath of a hurricane is to remember to keep generators outside, away from the home and dry.

Here are the steps to use and store your generator:

Without a carbon monoxide detector, the invisible gas can fill a room unnoticed until symptoms begin to show up. Red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen. Inhaling the odorless gas then replaces the oxygen in the blood, causing symptoms. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, so it's important to know the symptoms of poisoning, which are:

Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

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