HOUSTON — If you’re like hundreds of thousands of people around the Houston area, you’re having to deal without power after Thursday's storms. Generators can come in handy, but they can also be very dangerous if not used properly. They create carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
The Texas Department of Insurance has instructions on how to safely use a generator both in English and Spanish.
First of all, you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, so know the signs. If you start to feel short of breath, have a headache or nausea or feel weak, it could be because of carbon monoxide.
Keep a generator outside away from doors. A generator should be in a well-ventilated space and at least 20 feet from doors, windows or vents. Never one use inside a garage, even with the garage door open.
Always make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
You can read the rest of the tips from the Texas Department of Insurance for safe generator use here. Here are those instructions in Spanish.