Some people buy portable backup generators for peace of mind that they can maintain essential power during blackouts and extreme storms. While they may keep critical appliances running with minimal power disruption, they also pose significant health and safety risks.
In a post on r/Preppers, one Reddit user warned that portable backup generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
"Portable back-up generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide (CO)," the original poster wrote. "CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning."
The OP also shared a fact sheet by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about generator safety as a public service.
This prepper's warning is helpful because it serves as an important reminder of the dangers of portable backup generators.
A safer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient way to maintain power during emergencies is to install a solar backup battery system for your home. While standard backup generators run on gas and emit toxic pollutants into the air, solar battery backups are wired to a clean energy solar system and an electric panel.
Solar panels not only power your home daily but also help during extreme weather events when paired with electric backup batteries. EnergySage can save you up to $10,000 on a new solar installation with its free quote comparison tool.
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What supplies do you keep on hand in case of a blackout? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Just a flashlight 🔦 Not only will you be able to breathe easier and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning with a non-gas battery backup, but you'll also help lower planet-overheating pollution where you live.
Fellow prepping enthusiasts appreciated the OP's reminder about generators and carbon monoxide poisoning, sharing their feedback in the comments.
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"I think it's good to post this," one Reddit user commented. "Electric shock is a problem, too. After almost EVERY hurricane, people die from CO or shock from improper use of generators. It's so sad."
"I remember the first day after hurricane milton, a couple in Florida with the generator in the attached shed died from CO," someone else added.
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