What to know about increases in preventable deaths during hurricane season

With hurricane season starting in June, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families about the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Nausea, dizziness, weakness, trouble concentrating. If you're having those symptoms for no apparent reason, get outside of your house for fresh air,” said Nicolette Nye, a spokesperson for the CPSC.

When hurricanes hit, the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up.

“About 200 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and about half of those are from portable generators used during storms,” Nye said.

Why? Hurricanes knock out power, often for long periods of time. In 2022, a man in Johnston County died after leaving his portable generator running inside his home following Hurricane Ian.

“It’s terrible because it's an entirely preventable death,” Nye said.

According to the CPSC, you should never put a portable generator inside your home. In fact, keep it 20 feet away with the exhaust pointing away from your house. If you don't, you could be in big trouble before you know it.

“It’s known as the invisible killer because you cannot see it, you cannot smell it,” Nye said.

Be sure to keep CO detectors on every level of your home and make sure they're reliable. The safety commission recently recalled the CHZHVAN Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector after it failed to sound during fires. And speaking of fire, if your power is out during a hurricane, avoid open flames.

“Stock up on batteries and have some battery-operated flashlights on hand. It's much better to use batteries than to try and use a candle,” Nye said.