Greenwich FD: Caution Needed When Using Generators During Power Outage

With more than 1,000 customers still without power in Greenwich Friday morning, town fire and police are advising residents to be careful in using alternative heat sources while Eversource restores electricity to the town.

Greenwich Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Zack said crews responded to two homes — Columbus Avenue and Lockwood Road — where carbon monoxide detectors were activated on Thursday evening. In both cases, firefighters did not detect any evidence of the colorless and odorless gas that can be fatal, according to Zack.

With the lack of electricity since Wednesday night’s powerful storms and colder temperatures, Zack said many residents are using salamander and kerosene heaters, and generators to power and heat their homes.

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He cautioned that portable generators “should be operated as far away from the house as possible” — never inside a home or garage because of the toxic fumes. Before refilling fuel for portable heaters and generators, “make sure the unit is completely cooled down,” Zack added.

Residents also should not use alternative heat sources such as their ovens or barbecue grills.

All residences should be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and should they activate, calll 9-1-1, Zack said.

“We have two different machines to do readings inside the home. It’s very prevalent during long-term outages” for the detectors to activate, according to Zack.

He also advised that residents check the lifespan and batteries of their detectors which will activate towards the end of its lifespan.

Related story: Connecticut Power Outages: Thousands Still Without Power, Eversource’s Restoration Deadline Approaches (Live Updates)

Photo credit: carbonmonoxidedetectoralarms.com