A lively debate started on Reddit after someone shared that new federal guidelines for placing stationary generators would increase the distance requirement from homes to 5 feet to 25 feet.
What happened?
Reddit users in the r/Generator subreddit explained that the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently updated its recommendations following a federal study into carbon monoxide poisoning following Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.
They found that carbon monoxide entered 105 homes through stationary generators, even though the homes were placed outdoors. Twelve families became ill as a result.
This has sparked debate among commenters, with some questioning whether this distance is necessary if there are carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Others think it’s simply impractical where they live. Regardless, the risk remains.
One commenter added: “I live in southeast Louisiana and every year after a storm there are reports of people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Why is this updated recommendation important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. About 114,000 people went to emergency rooms or hospitals for treatment. The gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible, making it difficult to know it’s there without a special detector.
What are we doing about carbon monoxide poisoning?
In addition to following federal recommendations, it’s important to make sure your home’s carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Even better would be to completely replace the need for a generator.
Solar power combined with a battery backup system is an excellent, safer alternative to traditional generators. Going solar is also a great way to save on energy bills – using solar energy in your home can save you an estimated $3,000 or more per year.
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