TEMPLE, Texas — If you’re like tens of thousands of people around Central Texas, you’re having to deal without power after Wednesday's storms. Generators can come in handy, but they can also be very dangerous if not used properly. Generators powered by gasoline create carbon monoxide, which can be sneaky and deadly.
The Texas Department of Insurance provides instructions on how to safely use a generator both in English and Spanish.
It's important to remember you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, so know the signs of exposure. If you start to feel short of breath, have a headache or nausea or feel weak, it could be because you are breathing carbon monoxide. If you start feeling those symptoms, get fresh air immediately and consider calling 911.
Keep a generator outside of the house. A generator should be in a well-ventilated space and at least 20 feet from doors, windows or vents. Never one use inside a garage, even with the garage door open.
Lastly, always make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm. It can detect unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and alert you to seek fresh air.
You can read the rest of the tips from the Texas Department of Insurance for safe generator use here. Here are those instructions in Spanish.