CPSC Issues Carbon Monoxide Warning Ahead of Hurricane Idalia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hurricane Idalia is forecast to rapidly strengthen and make landfall as a major hurricane by Wednesday on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Preparing in advance of this extremely dangerous hurricane is crucial, but planning for the storm’s aftermath is also critical. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers in the path of Hurricane Idalia about the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from portable generators and other post-storm hazards.

Loss of Power—Using a Generator Safely

Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. CO poisoning from gasoline-powered portable generators can kill in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. CO poisoning from portable generators can happen so quickly that exposed persons may become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.

An average of nearly 100 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning from portable generators, according to CPSC’s latest report on Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products. An earlier CPSC report shows that from 2011 through 2021, where race was known, non-Hispanic Black or African Americans accounted for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, which is much higher than their share in the U.S. population.

In the case of a power outage, follow these important life-saving tips:

Check CO and Smoke Alarms

Dangers with Charcoal and Candles

If Your Home Floods—Dangers with Wet Appliances

Dangers with Gas Leaks

CPSC resources:

PSA – Hurricane Safety Tips (English)

PSA – Hurricane Safety Tips (Spanish)

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center

Carbon Monoxide Safety Center (Spanish)

Link to broadcast quality video for media:

Hurricane B-Roll - https://spaces.hightail.com/space/XtFQ7YqK0x

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews. Email [email protected] or call 240-204-4410 to arrange for an interview.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics

About the U.S. CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Please use the below phone number for all media requests.

Phone: (301) 504-7908Spanish: (301) 504-7800

View CPSC contacts for specific areas of expertise