Another death tied to last Friday’s severe storms has been confirmed in the St. Louis region. A 30-year-old man and his dog were found dead in their home on Sunday due to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell. The man had been using a portable generator indoors after the storm caused widespread power outages.
“Please be cautious while using a generator in your home,” Coverdell warned. “This was a tragic mistake that cost the victim and his beloved pet their lives. We urge everyone to stay safe as we recover from the storm’s devastation.”
As of Monday morning, the man’s identity had not been released.
This incident raises Missouri’s storm-related death toll to 13 after a powerful weather system struck the state Friday night.
The Hidden Danger of Portable Generators
Portable generators pose a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal within minutes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Carbon monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because it is a colorless, odorless gas. On average, 85 people in the U.S. die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to portable generator use.
The CPSC emphasizes that portable generators should never be used indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, or sheds. Even with windows open, these spaces cannot provide enough ventilation to prevent dangerous levels of carbon monoxide from building up.
For safe operation, generators should only be used outdoors, at least 20 feet away from homes or other structures. The exhaust should be directed away from buildings, and all windows, doors, or openings near the generator should remain closed.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines when using portable generators during power outages.
