Four people in Pennsylvania were lucky to be alive after a generator running during a power outage caused potentially fatal levels of carbon monoxide buildup inside their home. Emergency responders found three individuals unconscious inside the house, while a fourth had made it outside the home but still required hospitalization.
It is vital to run a generator a safe distance from your home and not place an operating one near a vent or open door or window.
Here's what to know
The situation unfolded in the Feasterville section of Lower Southampton Township, according to 6ABC. A child was among the three people responders found unresponsive.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia received the child by medical helicopter. All four people were hospitalized in serious condition.
By the time medics arrived, the resident who had called for help had made it outside but was unwell, Christopher Cummins, chief of the Feasterville Fire Company, told 6ABC.
After electricity to the property had been disconnected, the residents were using generators to supply power.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"The electricity was cut to the house," Cummins explained, according to 6ABC. "They were running generators in the back of their house, right next to the opening to the house, and it was back-feeding the carbon monoxide into their house, which caused the problem."
When they arrived at the scene, firefighters measured carbon monoxide at 1,300 parts per million, a level they described as immediately life-threatening and lethal. Several pets were also affected.
What's being done?
After identifying the source of the carbon monoxide, emergency responders shut down the generators.
"If they were there much longer, [it] could've turned fatal," Cummins said, per 6ABC.
Efforts to secure the property and condemn it are under way at the township.
Where can I learn more?
Using backup power at home raises safety questions involving generator location and the status of carbon monoxide monitors.
• A homeowner questioned a standby generator's placement after a carbon monoxide leak prompted safety concerns.
• A Pacific Northwest homeowner considered a deck corner for a generator, raising questions about exhaust.
• An Indiana man requested a welfare check after seeing a generator near a screen door on Snapchat.
• A generator owner's first outage exposed carbon monoxide alarm gaps despite years of preparation.
• A Texas owner warned that a neighbor's fence could create hazards near a standby generator.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
