Generator Safety After Storms: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
November 02, 2025
When tornadoes and severe storms knock out power, portable generators become lifelines—restoring electricity for refrigeration, medical equipment and basic comfort. But these machines come with a hidden killer: carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can take lives within minutes.
Each year, about 85 Americans die from CO poisoning related to portable generators. Many victims lose consciousness before they even realize something is wrong, never experiencing the typical warning signs of nausea, dizziness or weakness. A recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report revealed that Black Americans face disproportionately higher risk, comprising nearly 23% of generator-related CO deaths—almost double their share of the population.
In the aftermath of severe weather, protecting your family means more than just having backup power. It requires understanding the lethal dangers lurking in seemingly safe recovery efforts and taking decisive action to prevent tragedy.
Key Takeaways: Post-Storm Safety
- Never run a generator inside any enclosed or partially enclosed space. Even opening doors and windows won't prevent lethal CO buildup.
- Generators must be at least 20 feet from your home with exhaust directed away from all buildings and openings.
- Multiple hazards demand attention. Beyond generators, portable heaters, charcoal grills and candles all pose serious risks during power outages.
Generator Safety: 6 Critical Rules
1. Never operate generators inside or in partially enclosed spaces
This bears repeating because it's the most common fatal mistake: never run a portable generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening windows and doors is not enough—lethal CO levels will still accumulate and kill you.
2. Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home
Position your generator at least 20 feet away from your house. Point the exhaust away from your home and any other buildings people might enter.
Important: Close all windows and other openings that face the generator's exhaust path to prevent CO from seeping inside.
3. Avoid porches and carports
Even covered outdoor spaces are too close to your home. Never operate a generator on an outside porch or in a carport—CO can easily drift into living spaces from these locations.
4. Maintain your generator properly
Read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings that came with your generator. Regular maintenance isn't just about performance. It's about safety.
5. Consider upgrading to a model with CO shut-off
If you're purchasing a new generator, look for models with automatic CO shut-off safety features. These detect dangerous CO levels and turn off the machine automatically:
- PGMA G300-2018 certified models: Estimated to reduce CO poisoning deaths by 87%
- UL 2201 certified models: Estimated to reduce CO poisoning deaths by 100% and feature lower CO emissions
6. Never ignore warning signs
If anyone in your household experiences symptoms like nausea, dizziness or weakness while a generator is running, get everyone outside immediately and call 911. Don't try to turn off the generator first—get out of the area.
Essential Indoor Safety Measures
Install and maintain CO alarms
- Place battery-operated CO alarms (or models with battery backup) on each level of your home and outside separate sleeping areas
- Interconnected CO alarms that all sound together are best
- Test alarms monthly to ensure they're working
- Replace batteries as needed
- When an alarm sounds, get outside immediately, then call 911. Never ignore it.
Install and test smoke alarms
- Place smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom
- Test monthly and replace batteries when needed
4 Portable Heater Safety Rules
Power outages often mean lost heat, making portable heaters a tempting option. Follow these guidelines to prevent fires:
1. Maintain safe clearance
Keep all sides of your portable heater at least 3 feet away from beds, clothes, curtains, papers, sofas and anything else that can catch fire.
2. Use proper electrical connections
- Always plug heaters directly into wall outlets
- Never use power strips with heaters
- Never run heater cords under rugs or carpeting
3. Keep away from water
Position any heaters away from water sources, and never touch them if you're wet.
4. Ensure stability and supervision
- Place heaters on stable, level surfaces where they won't be knocked over.
- Never leave portable heaters running unattended in confined spaces.
- If the cord or plug becomes hot, disconnect immediately.
- If any part of the outlet is hot, contact a certified electrician.
Charcoal Grills: Never Use Indoors
Charcoal produces lethal levels of carbon monoxide, just like generators. Never use charcoal grills indoors for any reason. This includes garages, even with the door wide open. The CO buildup can kill you.
Keep charcoal grills outside and away from windows and doors.
Candle Safety During Power Outages
When the lights go out, candles seem like a natural solution, but they're also a significant fire hazard.
Safer alternatives
Use flashlights or battery-operated candles whenever possible. They provide light without fire risk.
If you must use candles
- Never place candles near anything that can catch fire.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Always extinguish candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
Gas Leak Emergency Protocol
If you hear or smell gas leaking:
- Leave your home immediately.
- Do not operate any electronics (lights, phones, switches) before leaving. Electrical sparks can ignite gas leaks, so resist the urge to flip switches or use devices on your way out.
- Contact local gas authorities once you're safely outside.
The Bottom Line
Storm recovery is stressful enough without adding preventable tragedies. Generators, heaters, charcoal and candles can all be used safely—but only when you follow proper protocols. The few extra minutes it takes to position your generator correctly or test your CO alarms could be the difference between recovery and catastrophe.
