CPSC Safety Alert: Surviving the Storm

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasters say Tropical Storm Gordon may become the first hurricane to hit the continental United States this season as it gathers strength in the Gulf of Mexico.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers in the Gulf Coast region that it's not too late to prepare and to take heed to important safety tips for surviving the hurricane.

Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase. Here's how you can keep your family safe.

• Use portable gas generators safely. If you lose power, use your generator OUTSIDE your house ONLY, at least 20 feet from your home.
• NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from generators is poisonous and can KILL you in minutes. CO is called the "invisible killer" because you cannot see it or smell it.
• Make sure you have working CO alarms in your home. They should be placed outside separate sleeping areas and on each floor of your home.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries! They should be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.

Please share CPSC Chairman's hurricane safety message, our new hurricane safety trifold which can be printed and distributed and our hurricane safety video with your viewers and listeners. You have the power to prepare!  Don't sacrifice safety before or after the storm.

Message from CPSC Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle's on hurricane safety https://youtu.be/ru5eszY6_Eg 
Hurricane Safety trifold
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers

Hurricane Safety PSA– Before the Storm 30 second  https://youtu.be/eZN5xypUS3U

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews before or after the storm on these and other safety tips.  Contact CPSC's Office of Communications at 301-504-7908.                     

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission