CPSC Safety Alert: Surviving Hurricane Florence

News provided by

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Sep 10, 2018, 14:56 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Florence is rapidly intensifying and could make a direct and dangerous hit anywhere from the Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic in the next few days. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers that it's time to take precautions. "Now is the time to prepare," says CPSC Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. "You still have time to take lifesaving steps to keep your family and friends safe from this dangerous storm."

Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase. Here's how you can keep your family safe.

Use portable gas generators safely. Read the label on your generator and the owner's manual before a storm hits.
If you lose power, use your generator OUTSIDE your house ONLY, at least 20 feet from your home.
NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from generators is poisonous and can KILL you in minutes. CO is called the "invisible killer" because you cannot see it or smell it.
Make sure you have working CO alarms in your home. They should be placed outside separate sleeping areas and on each floor of your home.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries! They should be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.

Please share our new hurricane safety trifold which can be printed and distributed and our hurricane safety video with your viewers and listeners. You have the power to prepare! Don't sacrifice safety before or after the storm.

CPSC Acting Chairman's safety message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru5eszY6_Eg

Hurricane Safety PSA– Before the Storm 30 second https://youtu.be/eZN5xypUS3U

Hurricane Safety Publication https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews before or after the storm on these and other safety tips. Contact CPSC's Office of Communications at 301-504-7908.

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission