Another Halloween has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean scary times are behind us. We’ve all seen what the past few years have produced – extreme weather, power outages, food shortages, etc. And we know there’s plenty more to come.
The good news is, 4Patriots has your back. I’ll explain what I mean in a moment. In the meantime, let’s talk about generators.
In a nutshell, they’re wonderful. They can keep essential electronic devices operating during the many power outages occurring every year.
And if you want to keep food from spoiling, some lights on and your home from becoming too hot or cold during a blackout, you need a generator.
It’s called the ‘silent killer’
When functioning properly and handled correctly, gas-powered generators can usually do the job for homeowners.
But they don’t always function properly. And they are often misused by people who don’t keep them outside their homes and away from windows.
That can spell big trouble. Carbon monoxide poisoning makes thousands of Americans ill every year. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and weakness. As well as nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
It can also result in deaths. In as little as five minutes. According to the CDC, some 430 Americans die every year from CO poisoning. Odorless and colorless, it’s called the “Silent Killer.” People don’t notice it until they start feeling ill.
At least 9 CO poisoning deaths from Ian
Lee County in southwest Florida was hit particularly hard by Category 4 Hurricane Ian in late September.
The Fox-TV affiliate there reported exactly what I was dreading to see and hear. Nine carbon monoxide-related deaths occurred in the aftermath.
In addition, other adults and children were treated in hospital emergency departments for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Local healthcare provider Lee Health advised local residents to “take necessary precautions when using a generator as they are one of the leading causes of injury and death following a storm.”
Deep freeze even more deadly
During the 2021 deep freeze in the South, some 1,400 Texans visited emergency rooms for CO poisoning. At least 11 people lost their lives due to it.
Dr. Neil Hampson called it the country’s “biggest epidemic of CO poisoning in recent history.” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo oversees emergency management in the Houston area. She labeled the carbon monoxide crisis a “disaster within a disaster.”
Many of those who suffered CO poisoning were improperly using gas-powered generators. Some were running them in garages and sheds. Others were using them too close to vents and widows. In each case, toxic fumes entered their homes.
The previous summer, millions dealt with California power outages during a heat wave. When fall rolled around, many lost power due to wildfires. Some using gas-powered generators for electricity were sickened by CO poisoning. Some others suffered shocks and contact burns.
Looking back to Hurricane Irma in 2017, 11 deaths in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina were attributed to the storm. But an additional 16 deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Safety tips to follow
A gas-powered generator can emit as much CO as 450 cars. And even when they are functioning properly and handled carefully, they’re still noisy and smelly.
If you use a gas-powered generator despite the risks, please read the owner’s manual carefully. Many people ignore this step.
By educating yourself and knowing safety precautions, you will better protect yourself and your family from potential life-threatening scenarios. Here are some safety tips to follow if you own a gas generator.
- Keep your generator at least 25 feet from any building. That includes homes, garages and sheds.
- Make sure fumes are not blowing toward anything flammable. Such as vegetation.
- Store your gas cans properly and far away from the generator.
- Install several battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home and make sure the batteries are working.
- Don’t run your generator while it’s raining. Unless it’s shielded by a waterproof and well-ventilated tent.
Mini solar generator back in stock
So, you know that a solar-powered generator is better than a gasoline-powered generator. What you may not know is that I have an incredible deal to offer you. But it’s only good until midnight tomorrow. So you need to move quickly.
As part of our 4Patriots Veterans Day event, I’m knocking $50 off the cost of our Patriot Power Sidekick. And that’s not all. You also get a free solar panel and free shipping. As well as a payment plan with no credit check, if you’re interested.
The Patriot Power Sidekick produces life-saving electricity when you need it most. And without gas, fumes or noise. Plus, it’s safe enough to use indoors. Even in your bedroom.
The Sidekick weighs only 8 lbs. But it will power up your critical devices in a blackout. And allow you to stay connected to family, important news and first responders.
We all need backup power. An endless parade of extreme weather events has shown us how crucial it is in today’s world. Give the Sidekick a try. But remember, this deal ends at midnight tomorrow, 11/15.
