Storm Safety

Storm-related power outages can significantly increase the chance for a house fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Items like generators, candles, and downed power lines all pose a risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says deaths involving portable generators have been on the rise since 1999 when they became widely available to consumers. The majority of these occur as a result of using a generator inside a home or attached garage.

Ensuring that your home has working battery-operated CO and smoke alarms as well as fire extinguishers before a storm strikes, and taking safety steps during a storm's aftermath could literally mean the difference between life and death. The experts at Kidde recommend the following safety tips:

Before a Storm Strikes

Install Alarms:

Add at least one battery-operated, UL-listed smoke alarm, CO alarm, or combination smoke/CO alarm on every floor of your home and in sleeping areas. Consider purchasing alarms with a 10-year sealed-in lithium battery for continuous power and protection.

Test Batteries:

Test the batteries in your hardwired smoke alarms and replace them if necessary.

Fire Extinguishers:

Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher within reach in rooms where fires are most likely to start, such as the kitchen, garage, bedroom, living room, laundry room, and any room with a chimney. If you have an extinguisher, check the gauge to ensure it’s charged. Green means go; red means replace. When choosing a fire extinguisher, bigger is always better. Larger fire extinguishers last longer, giving you more time to fight the fire and get to safety. Be sure you can physically handle the extinguisher you've purchased. Read the instructions and know how to use the fire extinguisher before a storm hits and a fire breaks out.

Fuel-Burning Appliances:

Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect these appliances and ensure they are properly ventilated.

Safety During & After a Storm

Generator Safety:

Do not operate a generator in spaces attached to your home, such as porches, patios, or garages. Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home and protected from direct exposure to rain. Follow the manufacturers' instructions when using generators. Use the appropriate sized and type power cords and never run them under rugs or carpets. Overloaded or covered cords could overheat and cause fires.

Grill Safety:

Do not use a charcoal or gas grill inside your home or outside near a window where CO fumes could seep into your home.

Exhaust Flues and Ducts:

Ensure that storm debris hasn't blocked or sealed shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as chimneys, water heaters, ranges, and clothes dryers, or blocked your vehicle's tailpipe, which could cause CO fumes to build up inside the vehicle.

Storm Cleanup:

During storm cleanup, place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers outside and away from air intakes to the home to prevent CO fumes from seeping inside. Run only the wash line inside.

Lighting:

Use battery-powered flashlights or lamps for light whenever possible. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or the house, or when going to sleep.

Combustible Liquids:

Never use gasoline in place of kerosene. Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources and locked away from children.

Fire Extinguishers:

Use a fire extinguisher to put out a small, self-contained fire when there is a clear exit behind you, or to create a pathway to safety when all exits or escape routes are blocked. Always call the fire department before you try and extinguish a fire yourself. Respect all fires, regardless of size. The main objective is safe escape.

Storm Safety Kit:

Prepare a storm safety kit with necessary supplies. Visit ready.gov for more information.