Keep Safe With Hurricane Irma

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hurricane Irma has and will continue to cause high wind gusts and heavy rain from storms like Irma can result in electrical outages, flooding and other dangers. As Americans transition from survival mode to recovery efforts after the storm, please remember to heed these critical safety tips:

1. CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) POISONING
   The exhaust from portable generators contains poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) – a deadly, odorless and colorless gas.
   
   
   NEVER use a portable generator anywhere inside your home or garage. Portable generators should be placed outside, at least 20 FEET away from the house, and any open window or vent.
   
   
   NEVER use charcoal grills or camp stoves INDOORS.
   
   
   CO from portable generators, charcoal grills and camp stoves can kill in a matter of minutes. CO alarms can save lives.  Make sure that the CO alarms in your home are working.
   
   
2. ELECTROCUTION
   Stay away from downed wires. They can be LIVE and emit deadly voltage.
   
   
   Do not operate or handle electrical appliances that are, or have been, in standing water.
   
   
   Have a qualified electrician check electrical appliances, circuit breakers, outlets and wiring before using them if they have gotten wet or have been in standing water.
   
   
3. FIRE
   Candles should be used with extreme caution. Never leave burning candles unattended. Battery-operated lights, such as flashlights, are a safer option.
   
   
4. GAS LEAKS
   If you smell gas, don't turn lights on or off, or use electrical equipment, including a phone.
   
   
   Leave the home immediately. Then call 911.

Share this information (also in Spanish) with anyone you know in the affected areas.

Follow @USCPSC on Twitter and Facebook for more hurricane safety tips.

About U.S. CPSC:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.  Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline

Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:

800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)

Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime

Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact

Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.

Phone: 301-504-7908

Spanish: 301-504-7800

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Related Links

http://www.cpsc.gov