At least three dead from carbon monoxide poisoning due to generators
FILE: People wait in line for generators three days after Hurricane Irma swept through the area on September 13, 2017 in Naples, Florida. Hurricane Irma made another landfall near Naples after inundating the Florida Keys. Electricity was out in much
PORT ARTHUR, Texas - At least three people in Port Arthur are dead from carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, it's believed the deaths are due to improper use of a generator.
Port Arthur emergency personnel responded to a report of possible carbon monoxide poisoning a business in the 700 block of 9th Ave.
They found six people poisoned. Three were found dead at the scene. Three others are in critical condition getting treatment at a local hospital.
In a Facebook post, JCSO reported that have been several incidents in Jefferson County where citizens have become overwhelmed by CO poisoning.
Many people began relying on generators due to the rolling power outages in southeast Texas.
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GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS
- Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage
- Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring
- Don't plug a portable generator into an electrical outlet in your home or garage
- Don't overload the generator
- Make sure your generator is properly grounded
- Do not store gasoline for the generator indoors
- Read and adhere to the manufacturer's directions for safe operations
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.