A Midwest fire department is warning citizens about the dangers of using gas appliances indoors.
What happened?
The Kansas City Fire Department advises residents that using generators, which are often fueled by natural gas, in their homes could have fatal consequences.
“They produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and can quickly fill a home with deadly carbon monoxide,” Public Information Officer Michael Hopkins told KCTV5 News.
Even if homeowners place their generator outside, they should make sure to place it downwind of doors and windows, he added. “Actually, airflow can still inhale carbon monoxide,” he said.
The site also advises against using gas stoves for heating in cold weather.
Why is this announcement important?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas known as the “silent killer.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 Americans each year. Many others were sent to emergency rooms and hospitals after exposure.
As Hopkins mentioned, gas generators remain a threat when placed outdoors. In fact, a federal investigation found that carbon monoxide from these devices entered 105 Louisiana homes after Hurricane Ida in 2021. That’s why the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing generators 25 feet away from homes.
What measures are being taken against carbon monoxide?
One simple way to avoid the dangers of a gas generator is to combine solar power with battery storage. This clean alternative can keep your home running during a power outage while also reducing energy costs. According to Stanford University, about 60% of U.S. households can reduce their electricity bills by an average of 15% by installing solar battery systems. Additionally, solar cell setups can reduce reliance on an increasingly unreliable power grid.
EnergySage offers free tools to help you learn more about your home battery storage options and collect competitive installation estimates. The company has also partnered with electrification company Qmerit to ensure homeowners get the best deal.
Pila is another company that offers battery backup options, including plug-and-play batteries that cost significantly less than a whole-home backup system.
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