When storms like Hurricane Beryl batter southeast Texas, warnings about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are common. Safety tips often include avoiding indoor use of portable generators, ensuring they’re placed safely outside, and maintaining fresh batteries in CO detectors. However, the risks associated with professionally installed standby generators are less frequently discussed.
Lieutenant Eddie Cruz from the Cy-Fair Fire Department emphasized to ABC13 that standby generators can be just as hazardous. He reported multiple CO-related incidents since Hurricane Beryl struck, not just in Cy-Fair but across the Houston area.
Professional installation of these generators is notoriously complex, often involving numerous steps, permits, and coordination with energy providers. Despite the frustration this process can cause, Steven Ashley, an electrician from Abacus, insists it’s crucial for safety. “It’s a very extensive process,” Ashley explained. “We’re looking at a month or month-and-a-half delegation just to be able to install the generator properly.”
Ashley warned that any installer promising a quick setup should be viewed with suspicion. It’s also essential to verify that the installer is licensed and insured. A professionally installed generator must be placed in a location specific to the property, adhering to manufacturer guidelines to prevent gas from entering the home.
Generators must be positioned at least five feet from windows and three feet from flammable sources like fences. Improper placement can lead to CO leaking into homes, posing significant risks.
The exact number of CO-related emergency calls since Hurricane Beryl’s landfall is unclear, but the Houston Fire Department reported 36 incidents on Wednesday. Montgomery County Hospital District EMS responded to 200 calls since the storm began.
Carbon monoxide is both tasteless and odorless, making it a silent threat. Symptoms of poisoning include dizziness and confusion. Experts strongly recommend installing CO detectors in homes to alert occupants to the presence of this dangerous gas.
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